Consumption of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC: 5897) containing fermented milk plays a key role in development of the immune system in newborn mice during the suckling-weaning transition.

Early infancy, the period when offspring rely not only on their own immunity to combat food-borne antigens but also acquire immunity through maternal sources (via transplacental routes and breast milk), is critical for immune system development Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the effect on offspring of administration of probiotic-containing fermented milk (PFM) either to mothers during the suckling period or to their offspring after weaning either separately or sequentially. PFM-fed mice showed enhanced leukocyte functionality in offspring as evidenced by significantly (P < 0.05) increased release of lysosomal enzymes (β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase) in peritoneal fluid and nitric oxide production in culture supernatants of activated macrophages. Further, remarkably reduced levels (P < 0.01) of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1) and allergic antibodies (total and milk specific IgE) were observed in offspring where PFM was fed either to them or to their mothers. However, considerably increased levels (P < 0.05) of SIgA were found in the guts of control and experimental groups animals irrespective of their exposure to PFM. Restoration of Th1/Th2 homeostasis further confirmed the useful effects of PFM supplementation by shifting the cytokine profile (IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-10) with increased IFN-γ/IL-4 and reduced IgE/Ig2Ga ratios. Hence, it is logical to conclude that administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus-containing (MTCC:5897) fermented milk to mothers during the suckling period and to their offspring after weaning has beneficial effects on the development of newborns immune systems; this effect appears to be more pronounced when mothers are fed with it.