Fluctuation of specific IgA antibodies in human milk.
The concentration of secretory IgA and the levels of IgA specific antibodies against Escherichia coli labile-toxin, Shigella flexneri 6, and rotaviruses were determined in milk samples obtained serially from women during the first 16 weeks postpartum. The mean concentration of secretory IgA followed the expected pattern; the levels of specific antibodies fluctuated in an unpredictable manner and independently of milk secretory IgA content, becoming undetectable in many instances. Under some circumstances, continued breast-feeding may not guarantee continued intake of antibodies against intestinal pathogens by the breast-fed infant.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis*; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000276:immunology; D012763:Shigella flexneri / Q000276:immunology
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory