Specific Antibodies in Colostrum of North Indian Mothers with Special Reference to Their Nutritional Status

Abstract

The anti-S. typhi antibody is predominantly IgA class, and the anti-polio-antibody, antimeasles antibody, anti-E. Coli enterotoxin antibody and anti-S. typhi agglutinins were found adequate in the colostrum samples of well- and under-nourished mothers. No antibody against tetanus toxin was detectable in colostrum samples from mothers of both the groups, although they have been immunized against tetanus toxoid during pregnancy, suggesting thereby that the presence of specific antibody in the mother's breast secretions is associated with the enteromammary axis, leading to the homing of B-lymphocytes which have been specifically sensitized in the gut.

Immune components (IgA, IgM, IgG, immune cells) of colostrum of Bangladeshi mothers

“…Results of several studies supported this species‐specificity finding, where the levels of colostral and milk immune components was found to be independent of maternal characteristics such as nutritional status, age, income, parity, and gestational age 13,15,33,35,36,38 . However, some investigations report an influence of maternal characteristics on the colostral and milk constituents 18,20,39 . In the present study, analyses of one‐way anova and Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed that maternal characteristics of the postpartum mother did not have any correlation with the immunoglobulin in colostrums.…”

“…13,15,33,35,36,38 However, some investigations report an infl uence of maternal characteristics on the colostral and milk constituents. 18,20,39 In the present study, analyses of one-way anova and Pearson's correlation coefficients showed that maternal characteristics of the postpartum mother did not have any correlation with the immunoglobulin in colostrums. This confers species-specifi city in production of colostrum and milk, 37 and corresponds to the fi ndings reported elsewhere.…”

“…They are rich in immune components including immunoglobulins, predominantly IgA, and viable immune cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, 2–12 and non‐immune bioactive compounds such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and transferrin 11,13,14 . Even more, they contain certain antigen‐specific antibodies against both bacteria and viruses 15–20 …”

Issues surrounding the promotion of colostrum feeding in rural Bangladesh

“…Garg and co-workers also found colostrum to contain antibodies against measles (Garg, Thirupuram and Saha, 1988;Garg et al, 1989).…”

Patterns for the initiation of breastfeeding in humans

“…The protein component of colostrum consists primarily of enzymes, antiinfective agents, hormones, and growth factors, many of which serve to support neonatal growth and development (Kunz et al, 1999;Xu, 1996). Of these bioactive agents, immune cells, such as antibodies (e.g., secretory IgA, IgG, IgM) make up the largest fraction of total protein content of colostrum (Garg et al, 1989;Hartmann et al, 1985). Other compounds include still more antimicrobial factors (e.g., oligosaccharides, fatty acids), antiinflammatory agents, transporters (e.g., lactoferrin), digestive enzymes, and peptide hormones (Baumrucker and Blum, 1993; reviewed by Kunz et al, 1999).…”