IMMUNE RESPONCES OF HEALTHY NEONATES TO BETA-LACTOGLOBULIN

Abstract

Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the levels of β-lactoglobulin (BLG) specific IgM and IgG antibodies were examined in healthy neonates. In exclusively breast fed neonates, BLG-specific IgM antibody titres were significantly increased on days 30-44 as compared to day 0. On the contrary, specific IgG antibody titres were not increased. In formula fed neonates, IgM and IgG antibody titres were both increased on days 30-44. A comparison of the IgM titres of both groups showed no difference on days 3-8 or 30-44. IgG antibody titres were significantly higher in formula fed neonates than in breast fed neonates on days of 10-24 and on days 30-44. In a comparison of 13 paired maternal sera and cord sera, both specific IgM and IgG antibody titres were higher in maternal sera than in cord sera. Especially, specific IgG antibody titres were higher in maternal sera in all paired cases. The above results showed stimulation of BLG in the immune systems of healthy neonates through breast milk, sensitization of the fetus by BLG, and the selectivity of placental transport of specific IgG. To clarify the roles of these antibodies, further studies are required.