The immunologic composition of neonatal milk: cellular components.
The cellular content of neonatal mammary gland secretions from 12 full-term infants less than 2 weeks postdelivery was studied. The predominant cell types observed were lymphocytes and macrophages with greater than 90% viability in each. The concentration of lymphocytes was significantly (P less than 0.001) correlated with the concentration of macrophages. The immunoglobulin content of this fluid was predominantly IgG with minimal concentrations of IgA, and no IgM detected. These data suggest both the presence of regulatory mechanisms for the cellular composition of neonatal breast secretions and that neonatal milk may bear a significant connection with the developing mucosal immune system.
Pittard
W B
WB
Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Geddes
K M
KM
Pepkowitz
S H
SH
Carr
R
R
D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008264:Macrophages; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D009504:Neutrophils
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M