Transfer of tumour necrosis factor‐α via colostrum to foals

Abstract

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.

The development of equine immunity: Current knowledge on immunology in the young horse

“…The concentrations of these cytokines in foal serum post suckling vary widely with a 200‐ and 2500‐fold difference between the minimum and maximum values for IL‐6 and TNF‐α, respectively. TNF‐α was not associated with IgG concentrations in the post suckle foal serum . However, IL‐10 was not detected in either healthy mare serum or colostrum around the time of foaling .…”

“…Prior to colostrum ingestion and absorption, healthy neonatal foal serum does not contain detectable amounts of the cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). However, they have been measured in equine colostrum and foal serum post suckling . The concentrations of these cytokines in foal serum post suckling vary widely with a 200‐ and 2500‐fold difference between the minimum and maximum values for IL‐6 and TNF‐α, respectively.…”

Effect of plasma transfusion on serum amyloid A concentration in healthy neonatal foals and foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity

“… 30 Mare's colostrum contains IL‐6 and TNF, but there is poor correlation between colostrum TNF and IgG post‐suckling. 31 Therefore, the increase in SAA concentration in the foals of our study, regardless of the status of transfer of passive immunity, could be explained, at least in part, by a stimulatory effect of some inflammatory mediators absorbed after colostrum consumption. 17 , 25 , 28 , 30 , 32 An acute inflammatory response could explain the change in SAA concentration from t0h to t24h, especially in foals with FTPI.…”

Equine colostral carbohydrates reduce lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory responses in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…Furthermore, the presence of anti‐inflammatory cytokines in human breast milk are purported to enhance the tight junction related epithelial barrier function . Recently, the colostral transfer of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was documented to occur in newborn foals, eliciting a possible immunomodulatory role of this proinflammatory cytokine in early phases of life . The results of comparable studies in calves had previously indicated that stimulation of the immune system is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines present in bovine colostrum and that lactoferrin, another component of bovine colstroum, has immunomodulatory and antimicrobial capabilities .…”