Breast milk immunology
1979
Human milk, particularly colostrum, contains immunoglobulins which provide specific and nonspecific antimicrobial resistance. Effects of maternal immunity on the offspring, then, do not stop at birth, but are continued through absorption of milk antibodies. Human milk is rich in secretory IgA, iron-binding protein lactoferrin, and transferrin. Colostrum contains complement and large numbers of leukocytes which ingest bacteria and fungi and protect against necrotizing enterocolitis. Immunoglobulin synthesis is carried out by B and T lymphocytes which are also present in large numbers.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library