Figure 4.

Functional phenotype of autoimmune breast failure. Four weeks after immunization with either α-lactalbumin or CFA alone, females were mated with identical males, and the resultant litters were examined daily for differences in mean pup weight. A: Pups from α-lactalbumin–immunized mothers consistently showed a failure to thrive as measured by significantly decreased mean pup weights over several mating cycles (P < 0.04 for every individual mating). Asterisks indicate significance. B: There were no significant differences (P > 0.60) in mean number of mice per litter between females immunized with α-lactalbumin or CFA alone. Nourishment failure often presented with kwashiorkor-like signs, including alopecia (three pups on the left) (C) and liver toxicity as indicated by increased serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels (D). Data are given as mean ± SE.