Low-molecular weight components of cow colostrum regulate bone marrow functions by modelling the redox-system of the organism

Abstract

Colostrum is rich in various biologically active compounds such as immunotropic ones. Low molecular weight components were isolated from cow colostrum components (with a molecular weight of not more than 45 kDa). Their influence was investigated on intact Wistar Rattus norvegicus adult males in concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 g/100 g of body weight. We determined content of lipid hydroperoxides and activity of serum glutathione peroxidase in blood serum, parameters of the bone marrow cells’ (BMCs) behaviour in the in vitro system (proliferation ability, morphologically identifiable and unidentifiable type of cells, lifespan of eosinophils). Morphological identifiable cells were stab neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, metamyelocytes, myelocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes. The low doses of colostrum components (0.01–0.10 g/100 g of body weight) did not affect the ratio of morphologically identifiable/unidentifiable cells. Administration of colostrum components at low doses (0.01 g/100 g of weight) increased the ability of BMCs to proliferate in the in vitro system. A super-large dose of colostrum components (5 g/100 g of body weight) was accompanied by a further loss of capacity for proliferation and cell death. Moreover, large doses of colostrum components resulted in change of balance to prooxidants (oxidants). The role of redox – system in BMCs functions was discussed. Large doses of colostrum components (1–5 g/100 g of body weight) were accompanied by a change of pro-antioxidant system balance. Only eosinophils were determined after administration of colostrum components in a large dose. It should be noted that the lifetime of eosinophils which developed under influence of colostrum components was greater than that of eosinophils obtained from control animals.

Keywords

• morphotypes; oxidative stress; transfer factor; eosinophilia.