IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A LEVELS IN SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL (MIROUNGA-LEONINA) MILK DURING THE SUCKLING PERIOD

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in milk samples from southern elephant s eals at King George Island, Antarctica are reported, IgA levels were d etermined throughout the suckling period (similar to 23 days). The IgA concentration in southern elephant seal milk was lower than in other mammals and, unlike most mammalian milk, was not high during early lac tation, There was not a definite pattern in IgA levels, which fluctuat ed within narrow limits throughout the suckling period (mean +/- SD, 3 0.81 +/- 6.38 mg IgA/100 g milk). If IgG was present, its,level was to o low to be detected by the method used, This is the first evidence in Southern elephant seal of the possibility of transmission of passive immunity after birth involving secretion of IgA in the milk.