All issues > Volume 34(11); 1991

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1991;34(11):1547-1558. Published online November 30, 1991.

A study on the immune reaction to the milk protein antigens in the postpartum mother, newborn baby, and children.

Soo chul Cho¹, Ju Hyung Kim¹, Hong Ro Lee¹, Jong San Lee¹, Pyoung Han Hwang¹, Jung Soo Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Chonju, Korea

Received: April 11, 1991;  Accepted: July 5, 1991.

Abstract

There is continuing interest in the isotype response of human serum antibodies reactive with dietary proteins. This study was performed to clarify the humoral immune responses against cow’s milk proteins, 分-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin. Milk protein specific IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG subclasses were measured using ELISA in the blood of various groups of age. The results were as follows: 1) Milk protein specific immunoglobulins were higher in maternal blood compare to cord blood. 2) 分-lactoglobulin was revealed more immunogenic than a-lactalbumin. 3) IgG levels specific to 分-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin were highest at 6—12 months and 1 〜2 years of age respectively, after then they were gradually decreased. Changes of IgA and IgM levels were similar to that of IgG. 4) In children of 6 〜 24 months of age, IgG levels specific to 分-lactoglobulin and a-lactalbumin were significantly higher in sera of children fed on cow milk formula before 4 months of age than fed on minimal cow milk formula or formula fed after 4 months of age. 5) All IgG subclasses were involved with individual isotype variations. 6) In lymphocyte stimulation test, using specific and nonspecific stimulators, 3H-thymidine uptake was higher in maternal blood compare to that of cord blood.

Keywords :Cow's milk protein;beta-lactoglobulin;alpha-lactabumin;Immunoglobulins