http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/3405/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/24082/ 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z Background: Previously, we reported that exclusive breastfeeding delayed and partially protected bio-breeding diabetes-prone (BBDP) rats from spontaneous autoimmune diabetes development. To investigate whether this protection results from modulation of the (mucosal) immune system, the present study was designed to analyse the effect of nutrition early in life on the immune status of BBDP rats. Methods: The breastfeeding period of BBDP pups was extended or not, while allowing half of the pups to eat during that period whereas the other half received only breast milk. Cytokine profiles as well as naturally occurring regulatory T-cell frequencies were measured over time in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and spleen. Results: Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding partially protects against autoimmune diabetes development and resulted in elevated levels of natural regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) in MLNs and spleen directly after weaning and throughout life. Stimulation of MLN cells from rats that ingested solid food during the nursing period showed massive secretion of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, whereas MLN cells from exclusive breastfed rats did not. In contrast, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) was secreted equally by all groups. Conclusions: Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding partially protects BBDP rats from autoimmune diabetes development. Interestingly, ingestion of solid food during the weaning period completely abolishes this protective effect. The protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding correlates with higher levels of naturally occurring regulatory T cells throughout life and low cytokine secretion at weaning. Copyright http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/5813/ 1994-10-12T00:00:00Z Cortisol levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are relatively unaffected by a challenge with dexamethasone (DEX) in vivo. The present study demonstrates that DEX is less inhibitory for phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced T cell proliferation in AD patients as compared to age-matched controls. Since no significant differences were found between AD patients and age-matched controls with regard to the fraction of CD45RA+ or CD45RO+ CD4+ T cells nor the ability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to produce IL-2 or IL-4, it is unlikely that the difference in DEX sensitivity is due to a changed lymphokine profile or a changed composition of the CD4+ T cell population. Sensitivity to DEX was negatively correlated with the ability to produce IL-2 and IL-4 in the controls but not in AD patients. This suggests that IL-2 and IL-4 synthesis in AD patients is less sensitive to regulation by glucocorticoids. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/26067/ 1977-06-01T00:00:00Z When an antigen enters the body, it can react upon such an invasion with a nonspecific and a specific defense mechardsm. Phagocytic white blood cells can attack antigens, such as present on the surface of bacteria and viruses, non-specifically by engulfing and destroying these particles. The specific defense against foreign agents depends on the immune system of the individual and can be divided in cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immune reactions can be defmed as those immunological reactions, which are transferable by cells and not by serum. Cellmediated immunity includes phenomena like allograft rejection, allogeneic disease, delayed hypersensitivity. and cell-mediated defense against viruses and fungi. The cell type which mediates this type of immune response is the lymphocyte, which is dependent on the thymus for its differentiation: the T lymphocyte. Another function of the T cell is a regulatory influence on humoral immunity. Some aspects of this function of the T lymphocyte will be discussed.