The effect of oral immunization on the population of lymphocytes migrating to the mammary gland of the sow

Abstract

Kortbeek-Jacobs, J.M.C., van Kooten, P.J.S., van der Donk, J.A., van Dijk, J.E. and Rutten, V.P., 1984. The effect of oral immunization on the population of lymphocytes migrating to the mammary gland of the sow. Vet. Microbiol., 9: 287--299.Sows were immunized orally with live Escherichia coli according to various immunization schedules. Six pregnant gilts were used; 4 immunized at various intervals during the last month of gestation, 1 control immunized after parturition following suppression of lactation by weaning and 1 non-immunized control. The effect of oral vaccination on cell populations from lymphoid organs was studied. The in vitro proliferative responses of the cell populations to K88 antigen, anti-Ig sera and mitogens were used to demonstrate the distribution of sensitized lymphocytes over different lymphoid organs. The capacity of these cells to produce antigen-specific Ig was determined by in ovo translation of their mRNA. Oral administration of antigen resulted in the appearance of K88-positive cells in lymphoid organs. In lactating sows, sensitized cells preferentially occurred in the mammary lymph nodes, whereas after suppression of lactation such a distribution was not seen. A possible route of migration of sensitized lymphocytes is discussed in relation to the local immune response. The antibody isotype produced by sensitized lymphocytes seemed to depend on the immunization schedule. The most effective schedule was one starting early in gestation and comprising frequent administration of antigen. This caused an optimal distribution of sensitized lymphocytes capable of IgA production.

Perspectives on Immunoglobulins in Colostrum and Milk

“…Vaccination or natural immunization of the pregnant cow, ewe or sow against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli [38,39,40] or intestinal viruses [41,42], can provide a degree of protection for the newborn. As an example, while only limited protection against viral challenge occurred in calves fed once shortly after birth with a pooled colostrum from cows immunized against bovine rotavirus, a shorter duration of diarrhea was observed [43].…”

Lactogenic immunity and vaccines for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV): Historical and current concepts

“…It is well documented that immunization of pregnant animals provides passive protection to suckling neonates against bacterial and viral infections Bohl and Saif, 1975;Bohl et al, 1974;Kortbeek-Jacobs et al, 1984;Lanza et al, 1995;Moon and Bunn, 1993;Saif et al, 1972;Saif and Fernandez, 1996;Saif et al, 1984;Wilson et al, 1972). Lactogenic immunity is described as the continuous supply of passively acquired immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM and sIgA) through the ingestion of colostrum and milk, but with IgG being the dominant isotype in colostrum and sIgA in milk (Klobasa et al, 1987).…”

Lymphocyte migration studies

“…Like the respiratory tract, the mammary gland is part of the "integrated mucosal immune system". For instance, Kortbeek-Jacobs et al [37] demonstrated preferential accumulation of sensitised cells in the mammary gland after oral immunisation of sows with E. coli during lactation. This functionally important "entero-mammary link" mediates immunity of the offspring against antigens present in the maternal digestive tract [84].…”