Growth factors and the development of neonatal host defense

Abstract

Following birth, the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn undergoes important adaptive changes to the extrauterine environment. These changes include the development of an effective mucosal barrier against the penetration of antigens and antigenic particles presented to the intestinal surface by way of ingestion of milk or soy proteins, bacterial colonization of the gut, and formation of toxic byproducts of bacteria and viruses. Immaturity of this mucosal barrier may result in clinical disease states to which the newborn is specifically susceptible such as necrotizing enterocolitis, toxigenic diarrhea, and intestinal allergy. The content of breast milk is postulated to be an important modul..