Identification in milk of a serum amyloid A peptide chemoattractant for B lymphoblasts

Abstract

Abstract Background Normal mammary gland contains an extravascular population of B lymphoblasts, precursors of the immunoglobulin plasma cells that play a key role in the passive protection of neonates by secreting immunoglobulins to colostrum and milk. We investigated the presence of chemoattractants in the milk by analysing the chemoattractant activity of various fractions of this secretion. Milk chemoattractants are potentially involved in the recruitment of lymphocytes from the maternal bloodstream in lactating mammary glands. Results The dilution-related lymphoid cell chemoattraction of whey was associated with a Conclusion These data are consistent with the SAA23–45 fragment being involved in preplasma B-cell recruitment to the mammary gland and resultant benefit to the neonate.