Augmentation of natural killer cell activity in mice by oral administration of transforming growth factor-beta.
The latent form of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in human milk and platelets was converted to the active form when conscious, pylorus-ligated mice were given human milk and platelets by intragastric intubation. Oral administration of TGF-beta exerted enhancing effects on the natural killer (NK)-cell activities in spleen and liver. Augmentation of NK-cell activities in spleen was observed for 7 days after oral administration of TGF-beta. TGF-beta at concentrations of 5 and 20 ng produced the greatest augmentation of NK-cell activities in spleen. However, NK-cell activities in spleen were unaffected when TGF-beta was given intravenously. Interleukin (IL)-12 production in spleen was enhanced by oral administration of TGF-beta, but not by intravenous administration of TGF-beta. These findings suggest that large amounts of TGF-beta in human milk are involved in early antiviral protection through the augmentation of NK-cell activities.
Ishizaka
S
S
Department of Parasitology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan.
Kimoto
M
M
Kanda
S
S
Saito
S
S
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008892:Milk / Q000276:immunology; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013270:Stomach / Q000276:immunology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D018664:Interleukin-12