ASSESSMENT OF GUT INTRAEPITHELIAL LYMPHOCYTES DURING LATE-GESTATION AND THE NEONATAL-PERIOD

Intraepithelial lymphocyte counts (IEL % enterocytes) were carried out in histological samples of jejunal, ileal and appendiceal mucosa of 3 9 neonates, aged from birth to 28 days. Correlations between IEL count s and developmental factors, namely gestational age, birth weight and intrauterine growth, as well as neonatal infections or feeding state w ere performed. No significant differences were observed among neonates grouped according to birth weight, intrauterine growth or neonatal in fections. The pattern of feeding, however was associated with signific antly higher IEL counts (p < 0.02) in the ileum in oral/enterally fed neonates than in the unfed or parenterally fed. Full-term neonates als o had higher counts in the ileum (p < 0.02). In this group, oral/enter ally fed neonates had the higher values. Thus, besides in utero develo pment, the pattern of feeding might be considered as an important modu lating factor on IEL postnatal expansion.