title: A suggested role for precolostrum in preterm and sick newborn infants.
abstract: Samples of precolostrum (colostrum gravidarum), colostrum and mature milk obtained from five women during their antenatal and postnatal periods were measured for IgA, IgG, IgM, alpha-1-antitrypsin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, B1A globulin (C3) and B1E globulin (C4) by single radial immunodiffusion. Protein concentrations in precolostrum were equal to or greater than those found in colostrum obtained during the first 12-48 hours following delivery. Secretion of precolostrum is common, occurs early in the antenatal period and may often be of considerable volume. The anti-microbial proteins contained within this milk can be preserved intact by freezing. This represents an untapped pool of bacteriostatic proteins with specific activity against neonatal pathogens. We suggest that a potential protective effect against serious infection may be obtained by administering precolostrum to "at risk" infants during the first few days of life.
mesh_terms: D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000032:analysis; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology; D009113:Muramidase / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D009113:Muramidase; D007781:Lactoferrin