Effect of bifidobacteria feeding on fecal flora and production of immunoglobulins in lactating mouse

To elucidate the effects of probiotics on the stimulation of immunoglobulin production during lactation, feeding trials of bifidobacteria in lactating mice were conducted. Bifidobacteria appeared in feces at 9.67+/-0.17 log 1 0 number per gram levels. All bifidobacteria found in the feces were the ad ministered strain. Mice fed bifidobacteria for 12 days showed significantly high levels of fecal total IgA compared to that of the control group (P<0. 05). The levels of anti-plactoglobulin IgA in milk as well as in fecal extr acts were significantly higher in the bifidobacteria-fed group than that of the control group (P<0.05). These results suggest that the intake of bifid obacteria can enhance local production of IgA in milk and the intestine, wh ich may help to protect both pups and darns from exposure to food antigens. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.