A maternal scFOS supplementation modulates maturation of the immune system of piglets
Résumé
Peri-partum nutrition is essential for immune development of neonatal piglets. Short chain fructooligosaccharides
(scFOS) are defined as prebiotics. A scFOS supplementation of sows and piglets might
modulate gut immune maturation by modulating the composition of the microbiota. Effects of maternal
scFOS supplementation on immune transfer to the offspring and on their mucosal immune system
maturation were investigated. Twenty-six sows received a control or a scFOS diet (10 g/d of maltodextrin
or scFOS, Profeed®) for the last 4 weeks of gestation and during lactation. Immune quality of colostrum
was determined. Twenty-six piglets were slaughtered on d21. Intestinal contents were sampled to analyse
short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. Morphometry of Peyer’s Patches (PP) was determined.
Mononuclear cells were isolated from PP and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). PP and MLN cell density
was determined. Their cytokine patterns and secretory IgA (sIgA) were studied following culture. Flow
cytometry was performed to quantify immune cell populations. Maternal scFOS supplementation increased
concentrations of IgA and TGFβ1 in colostrum (P<0.05). It did not modify the morphometry of the PP but
promoted the development of cellular immunity in piglets, as suggested by the increased secretion of IFNγ
and sIgA by PP cells (P<0.10), a higher cell density in MLN cells with a greater IFNγ/IL-10 ratio (P<0.05)
and an improved secretion of TNFalpha (P<0.10). Concentrations of SCFA and flow cytometry are being
done. Maternal supplementation with scFOS enhances immune functions in a crucial period of maturation of
the mucosal immune system of piglets. This effect is probably related to the modification of the microbiota
of the sows, which in turn, impacts piglet’s microbiota. Such results underline the key role of the maternal
diet in supporting the development of mucosal immunity in neonates.