Effect of omeprazole on the rate of immunoglobulines absorption in the newborn calves

    Newborn calves, due to not receiving immunoglobulin from the mother in uterus, are agammaglobulinemic and gain immunity immediately after birth through colostrum intake. Whereas 24 hours after birth, abomasum produces more acid, the probability of colostrum globulin destruction increases. Blocking acid secretion through proton pump inhibitors might prevent colostrum immunoglobulin destruction. To study this issue 15 newly-born male Holstein calves were studied in five three-member groups, 3 being control groups and 2 were experimental groups. The calves under study were fed colostrum and milk at zero, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 hours after birth using esophageal tube as follows: Control groups: A- calves were fed with milk for 24 hours after birth then with colostrum for 72 hours after birth; B- calves were fed with milk for 48 hours after birth and then with colostrum up to 72 hours after birth; C- calves were fed with colostrum up to 72 hours after birth. Experimental groups: A- omeprazole was given orally each 24 hours (8 mg/kg) and the calves were fed with milk for 24 hours after birth and then colostrum up to 72 hours after birth. B- omeprazole was given orally each 24 hours (8 mg/kg) and the calves were fed with milk for 48 hours after birth and then with colostrum up to 72 hours after birth. Immunoglobulins G, M and A in serums were measured using ELISA. There was a significant difference between the serum IgG in subgroup C on the control group with other subgroups but no effect of omeprazole on IgG absorption was noticed. With regarded to the IgM, it was abserved that there was a significant difference between subgroup C of the control group with other groups, except subgroup A of the control group and subgroup A of the omeprazole group. omeprazole drug had no effect on IgM absorption. There was a significant difference between the serum IgA of subgroup C of the control group with other subgroups. Omeprazole not only did not increase IgA absorption but also a reduction in absorption of IgA in the subgroup A of the treatment was noticed. The results showed that omeprazole did not markedly influence the efficiency of Ig_s absorption.