Transfer of tumour necrosis factor-α via colostrum to foals.
This study aimed to determine whether TNF-α is transferred to equine neonates via colostrum and the relationship between TNF-α and IgG concentrations in the equine neonate. Colostrum, presuckle and postsuckle foal serum samples were collected from healthy mares and their foals. Equine TNF-α ELISA and IgG SRID kits were used to determine the concentrations of TNF-α and IgG, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation. TNF-α concentrations in all presuckle foal serum were below the limit of detection in 15/16 foals and increased in postsuckle foal serum to a mean concentration of 7.7 x 10(4) pg/ml. TNF-α concentrations in postsuckle foal serum and colostrum showed significant correlation (rho=0.668; P=0.005). However, TNF-α and IgG concentrations in colostrum or postsuckle foal serum did not correlate (rho<-0.016; P>0.05). Ratios of TNF-α/IgG in colostrum or postsuckle foal serum showed significant correlation (rho=0.750; P=0.0008). These results indicate that TNF-α is transferred to the foal via colostrum absorption and may play a role in early immunity.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
E J
EJ
Secor
M B
MB
Matychak
M J B
MJ
Felippe
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D003126:Colostrum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha