Different effects of the methods of administering lactoferrin, IGF-1 and IgG from bovine colostrum to rabbits based on the cytokine communication network

Lactoferrin, IGF-1 and IgG are three well-known bioactive proteins found in bovine colostrum. We studied the effects of these three active ingredients on the levels of eight cytokines in serum and on the cellular communication networks in vivo by oral administration, intraperitoneal injection and intravenous injection. The results suggested that bioactive ingredients, especially biomacromolecules, can induce different effects, even opposite effects, on the immune system depending on the route of administration. These effects are related to both the functions of the bioactive ingredient in vivo and to its specific receptor binding in the gastrointestinal mucosa that activates different signalling pathways.