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T‐lymphocyte subsets, thymic size and breastfeeding in infancy
Author(s) -
Jeppesen Dorthe L.,
Hasselbalch Helle,
Lisse Ida M.,
Ersbøll Annette K.,
Engelmann Mads D. M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2004.00032.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lymphocyte subsets , breastfeeding , lymphocyte , immunology , pediatrics , immune system , t cell
We followed the changes in concentration of T‐lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ and CD8+ cells) in peripheral blood and thymus size during infancy. Previous studies have found increased thymus size in breastfed infants. The present study analyzed the association between breastfeeding and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Two different populations of infants between birth and 1 year of age were examined. Study Group I: infants with a variable duration of breastfeeding. Study Group II: long‐term breastfed infants. In both groups a correlation was found between CD8+ cells and the thymic index at 10 months of age. In Group I, infants still breastfed at the 8‐month examination had a higher CD8% than formula‐fed infants (p = 0.05), and infants breastfed at the 4‐month examination had a higher CD4% at 10 months of age (p= 0.03). Group II showed an increase in the absolute number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells from 8 to 10 months of age; and a positive correlation between the number of breastfeedings per day at 8 months of age, and an increase in CD4+ cells from 8 to 10 months of age (p <0.01). In conclusion, a correlation was found between thymus size and CD8+ cells. Breastfeeding might have both a current and long‐term immune‐modulating effect on the developing cellular immune system.