Local Antigenic Stimulation of Guinea‐pig Mammary Gland

Abstract

Summary. Local immunization of the mammary glands of pregnant guinea-pigs with killed Brucella abortus elicited a loctil production of specific antibody most of which was associated witli IgA. The local response to intra-ductal infusion of antigen was greater than that which followed injection of antigen into subcutaneous sites near the mammary gland. Local production of antibody persisted for two consecutive lactation periods following inmiunizab'on by either route.Concentrations of IgA in millc were 10-25 times greater tlian in serum, whereas the levels of IgG in milk were appro.\imately l/5th those for serum. Significantly greater amounts of IgA were present in milk from locally-infused ' glands than in milk from glands immunized by subcutaneous injection and from non-immunized glands. The levels of IgG in milk were not affected by local immunization.INTRODUCTION.

Localized Humoral Immunity with Particular Reference to Ruminants

“…McDowell et al (1971) observed that local immunization of the mammary glands of pregnant guinea pigs apparently led to local production of antibody. This finding was subsequently confirmed and extended (McDowell 1973). Local immunization by injection (into subcutaneous sites adjacent to the mammary gland) or intraductal infusion of the mammary glands of guinea pigs approximately 2 weeks before parturition resulted in a local production of specific antibody.…”

Immunological activities of milk

“…Results have been variable with some reports indicating predominantly an IgA response (Genco & Taubman, 1969;McDowell, 1973;Bourne et al, 1975) while other workers have found the response to be mainly IgG (Bohl et al, 1972;Hurliman & Lichaa, 1976;Chidlow & Porter, 1977).…”

“…Intramammary immunisation by direct injection into the substance of the gland has been investigated in a number of species, including rabbits (Genco & Taubman, 1969;Hurlimann & Lichaa, 1976) guinea pigs (McDowell, 1973) and pigs (Bohl et al, 1972;Bourne et al, 1975;Chidlow & Porter, 1977).…”

“…The variation seen in the response is probably because this route does not represent true stimulation of the mucosal surface (Bourne et al, 1978). The data from all these studies does, however, suggest that much of the milk antibody, be it IgA or IgG, is synthesised within the mammary gland (Genco & Taubman, 1969;McDowell, 1973;Bourne et al, 1975) and it appears to be a more efficient way of inducing milk antibody than systemic immunisation , although the variability of response and the trauma associated with the procedure makes it impractical as anything other than an experimental procedure.…”

Intestinal Absorption of Colostral Lymphoid Cells in Newborn Animals

“…In species with an epitheliochorial placenta, colostrum-derived maternal immunoglobulins play a decisive role in the passive protection of newborn animals (Porter et aI., 1970;McDowell 1973;Bourne and Curtis 1973;Brown et aI., 1975;Newby and Bourne 1977;Butler et aI., 1981;Banks 1982;Newby et aI., 1982). At the end of pregnancy, numerous lymphoid cells from the mother's common mucosal system" (Bienenstock 1974;Solmon 1987) also accumulate in the mammary gland.…”