What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the in vitro morphological, ultrastructural, and secretory characteristics of human milk and colostrum mononuclear phagocytes.

November 1, 1979PEDIATRICS

The Milk Mononuclear Phagocyte

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

JPJane PittSouth Australia Pathology

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

In vitro study uncovers high metabolic and secretory activity of mononuclear phagocytes in human breast milk, indicating an active immunological role transferred to infants.

Key Points

To review the in vitro morphological, ultrastructural, and secretory characteristics of human milk and colostrum mononuclear phagocytes.
Identified and quantified leukocytes in human colostrum and early milk using esterase staining, latex ingestion assays, and glass adherence.
Evaluated cell morphology, vital dye uptake (trypan blue and acridine orange), and ultrastructure, while measuring lysozyme secretion via competitive radioimmunoassay with and without cycloheximide inhibition.
Mononuclear phagocytes comprise approximately 80% of the 1 to 2 million leukocytes per milliliter in colostrum and early human milk, displaying avid adherence and filamentous process extension.
Cells exhibit abundant mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid inclusions, demonstrating active protein synthesis.
Cultured cells release 100 ± 8 ng lysozyme per 5 × 10⁵ cells, which decreases to 20 ± 4 ng in the presence of 10 µg/ml cycloheximide, and synthesize complement proteins C3 and C4.

Cite This Study

Jane Pitt (1979) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa9fd985e1c2e91a8fbc049 https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.64.5.745

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

In vitro study uncovers high metabolic and secretory activity of mononuclear phagocytes in human breast milk, indicating an active immunological role transferred to infants.

The Milk Mononuclear Phagocyte

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

The Milk Mononuclear Phagocyte

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider