Synthesis of Immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA during the Ontogeny of Foetal Pigs

Abstract

Transfer of proteins from dam to foetus has not been demonstrated in animals with the epitheliochorial placenta which include the pig (Sterzl and Silverstein 1967). Foetal pigs are therefore not affected by maternal immunoglobulins during their intra-uterine life. All serum proteins of foetal pigs are produced by the foetuses themselves and their immune response and, consequently, synthesis of immunoglobulins are therefore unaffected by the presence of maternal antibodies. For this reason, the foetal pig is an excellent model for studies of defence mechanisms in both human and veterinary medicine and has been receiving due attention as to the development of immunity.From a number of studies concerned with the incidence of immunoglobulins in foetal pigs and colostrum-deprived piglets (Sterzl et al. 1960; Franek et al.