Lactoferrin lowers the incidence of positive Coombs' test in New Zealand black mice.

The results presented in this communication show that New Zealand Black (NZB) mice treated for a prolonged period with bovine lactoferrin (BLF) exhibit a decreased frequency of positive Coombs' reaction. This effect was dose dependent and best pronounced at a dose of 50 micrograms/dose. We found, in addition, that incubation of peritoneal cells with BLF resulted in a decreased number of cells recognizing Hb antigen on autologous erythrocytes. The data indicated that lactoferrin may be of therapeutical value in treatment of autoimmune disorders.