Effect of human milk prostaglandins and lactoferrin on respiratory syncytial virus and rotavirus

Acta Paediatr. 1997 Mar;86(3):315-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1997.tb08896.x.

Abstract

The effect of lactoferrin and prostaglandins E and F2 alpha on the growth of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus in cell culture was investigated. Lactoferrin inhibited the growth of respiratory syncytial virus at a concentration tenfold lower than that normally present in human milk. The prostaglandins had no effect on either virus growth, even at a concentration of 100-fold more than that found in human milk. Lactoferrin may have some antiviral properties in human milk in addition to its known antibacterial functions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lactoferrin / pharmacology*
  • Milk*
  • Prostaglandins / pharmacology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / drug effects*
  • Rotavirus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Prostaglandins
  • Lactoferrin