Breast feeding conditions a differential developmental pattern of mucosal immunity.
A prospective study of 146 children was conducted to evaluate the influence of infant feeding patterns on the development of mucosal immunity. First, there was a trend towards lower IgG concentrations in the breast-fed neonate, indicating a possible earlier 'closure' mechanism of membrane permeability. Second, the post-natal increase in IgA was earlier and greater in formula-fed infants. Third, IgM was detected earlier, more frequently, and at higher levels in formula-fed infants.
D000375:Aging; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
D000418:Albumins; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C033027:secretory IgM