Colostral T Lymphocytes Detected by Intracytoplasmic and Membrane Markers

Abstract

Colostral lymphocytes were studied using two established T-cell markers: intracytoplasmic alpha-naphtyl-acetate esterase (ANAE) staining and membrane receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E rosettes). ANAE staining allowed counting and identification of T-cell subsets independently of the status of membrane structures and receptors frequently altered in colostral cells. The fact that a sizeable number of colostral lymphocytes had the same phenotype as the majority of mature circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes supports the hypothesis that colostral lymphocytes may play a role in protecting neonates against infections, in transferring immune information to the newborn, or in modulating the immune response via release of soluble factors. A considerable percentage of colostral T lymphocytes are ANAE-negative. This phenotype is similar to that observed among thymocytes.

Does age at the start of breast feeding influence infantile diarrhoea morbidity? A case–control study in periurban Guinea–Bissau

“…The concentration of these anti-infective factors decreases rapidly in the 48-72 h after birth. However, both macromolecules and cells reach the intestine of the newborn intact (10) and could exert inductive functions in the child's gastrointestinal immune defence system (11,12), with long-term positive health consequences.…”