"DIATHELIC" IMMUNIZATION

[摘要] THIS TERM derived from the Greek roots δια (through) θηλη (teat) has recently been proposed for a mechanism by which the suckling animal is able to obtain a passive immunity through the act of nursing at the breast of the mother. Recently reported observations indicate that it is possible for the suckling calf in the act of nursing to inject organisms through the teat into the mammary gland of the cow. These organisms act as antigens capable of stimulating the mammary gland to produce large amounts of antibody globulin. It is suggested that under this antigenic stimulation the mammary gland acts as an exocrine reticuloendothelial organ, capable of producing and concentrating antigen-specific, antibody globulins.

[学科分类] 儿科学