| First Author | Shimamura M | Year | 2003 |
| Journal | Biochim Biophys Acta | Volume | 1637 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 55-8 |
| PubMed ID | 12527407 | Mgi Jnum | J:81748 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:2449900 | Doi | 10.1016/s0925-4439(02)00211-9 |
| Citation | Shimamura M, et al. (2003) Antibody production in early life supported by maternal lymphocyte factors. Biochim Biophys Acta 1637(1):55-8 |
| abstractText | To examine the influence of maternal lymphocyte factors on the immune responses in offspring in early life, antibody production in neonates born to either normal or lymphocyte-deficient mothers was analyzed. Recombination activating gene (Rag)-2(+/-) mouse neonates born to Rag-2(+/+), Rag-2(+/-)or Rag-2(-/-)mothers were injected with goat anti-mouse IgD antiserum, and IgE and IgG(1) production was evaluated. The levels of IgE and IgG(1) were higher in the pups born to Rag-2(+/+)and Rag-2(+/-) dams than to lymphocyte-deficient Rag-2(-/-) dams. The enhanced antibody production in the former compared with the latter neonates was also found following immunization with ovalbumin or TNP-Ficoll. Thus, the presence of maternal lymphocyte factors was suggested in neonates that augmented antigen-specific antibody production in both T cell-dependent and -independent pathways. A reduction in antibody production was observed in normal neonates when they were foster-nursed by Rag-2(-/-) mothers. Thus, the maternal lymphocyte factors enhancing the immune responses in newborns were shown to be present in breast-milk. |
