| Abstrakt: |
Background Cellular proliferation to various allergens (Dermatophagoides pleronyssinus, β-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin) has been found in cord blood cells. Whether this reflects a sensitization during foetal life is uncertain. Objective We studied the cellular reactivity and cytokine production of cord blood cells in response to cow's milk proteins in a randomely selected group of newborns. The delineation of possible in utero allergen contact was attempted. Methods Cord blood mononuclear cells from 39 neonates were incubated with cow's milk proteins (α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, casein, α-casein, β-casein, κ-casein, bovine serum albumin) for 7 days, and proliferation was assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine. Cord blood cell-derived interferon-γ (IFNγ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion was evaluated in response to allergen or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. Results A pronounced proliferation of cells stimulated with a-lactalbumin (ALA; mean stimulation index 8.0, 95% confidence interval 5.2-10.8), β-lactoglobulin (BLG; mean stimulation index 5.9, 95% confidence interval 3.2-8.6) and α-casein (2.6, 95% confidence interval 2.9-9.1), as opposed to unstimulated cells in medium, was found. No correlation was found between cellular proliferation to milk proteins and parental atopy, maternal total IgE or cord blood IgE. IFNγ production (but not IL-4) was inducible by PHA (range 429-1810 pg/ml), but only in one individual upon stimulation with BLG. Preferentially, reduced IFNγ levels were found in individuals with positive parental allergic history. Conclusion The recognition of allergen by cord blood cells indicates that allergen priming must occur prenatally. The relevance for subsequent sensitization is unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
