Thorne Vet Launches ImmunoVET Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrate for Optimal Immune Support

SANDPOINT, ID, April 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) Thorne Vet, a division of Thorne Research, has introduced ImmunoVET for immune and gastrointestinal support. ImmunoVET is an immune globulin concentrate derived from purified bovine serum. It contains at least 45-percent immunoglobulin (IgG) - considerably more than the 20-25 percent typically seen in colostrums. ImmunoVET is purified from bovine serum, rather than bovine milk, hence there is no dairy component.

ImmunoVET augments natural gut immunity by improving gut barrier function, activating gut immunity, and decreasing intestinal secretions for better stool consistency. In addition, ImmunoVET helps maintain a healthy inflammatory
response and promotes wound healing.

Thorne Vet offers ImmunoVET in three convenient sizes - ImmunoVET-Fc for cats and small dogs, ImmunoVET-C for medium-to-large dogs, and ImmunoVET-EQ for horses and giant-breed dogs.

"ImmunoVET gives veterinarians an important new option for responding to various immune-related conditions in horses and companion animals, in particular those under stress, competing, showing, and training," said Joyce C. Harman, DVM, MRCVS, president of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania (HMSSP) and co-medical director of Thorne Vet.

What is ImmunoVET?

ImmunoVET contains ImmunoLin*, an immunoglobulin concentrate of bioactive proteins that are derived from purified bovine serum. ImmunoVET contains 45- to 55- percent IgG, plus lesser amounts of other immunoglobulins and bioactive proteins. The four primary bioactive proteins in ImmunoVET include:

- Immunoglobulins - primarily IgG; an important part of humoral immunity.
- Transferrin - binds free iron, thereby preventing it from nourishing bacteria.
- Mitogenic growth factors - essential for nutrient utilization and helping to maintain a healthy gut barrier.
- Immune regulatory cytokines - known to stimulate secretion of secretory IgA, the body's first line of defense; help maintain a healthy inflammatory response.

The Science Behind ImmunoVET

The gut is the first line of defense against invading organisms. Therefore, maintaining a healthy GI tract is essential for general immune support. ImmunoVET works with an animal's own immune system to help maintain gut barrier function. A 2002 study found bovine serum concentrate resulted in improved intestinal permeability, gut morphology (as measured by increased villous surface area and deepening crypts), and stool consistency.(1)

Several animal studies have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of immunoglobulin concentrates in maintenance of a healthy immune response. In a 2004 study, immunoglobulin concentrate given to bacteria-challenged rodents helped modulate the degree of activation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The intestinal secretory response was also decreased, leading to decreased water content of the stool.(2) A similar study in 2008 corroborated these results.(3)

Dietary plasma protein concentrates, such as those found in ImmunoVET, enhance the efficiency of protein utilization, improving lean tissue growth.(4,5) A study in weanling pigs found the IgG fraction of bovine plasma was the most important for improving protein metabolism.(6) This may have implications in failure to thrive and wound healing.

Evidence from animal studies suggests ImmunoVET may help maintain a normal inflammatory response. A study of immune-challenged rodents found immunoglobulin concentrate helps maintain a healthy cytokine ratio in the gut mucosa.(7)

Metabolism of ImmunoVET

Immunoglobulins are large proteins, which, unlike many proteins, are not completely broken down by hydrochloric acid in the stomach. IgG is not easily hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes and is stable in mildly acidic conditions. In vitro and in vivo, approximately 20-25 percent of immunoglobulins survive degradation, thus maintaining their biological activity throughout the GI tract.

Purity of ImmunoVET

The Raw Material

The naturally occurring proteins in purified bovine immunoglobulin are concentrated using stringent quality control procedures in a facility that is compliant with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices for food products. The processes take place in a closed system, preventing contamination. Only beef cattle from herds in the United States are used in the production of ImmunoLin *. Bovine serum concentrates have been used therapeutically in recovering malnourished children with no evidence of adverse effects.(8)

The Finished Product

The ImmunoVET products were formulated by expert veterinarians and are manufactured by Thorne Research with the same attention to purity and quality as all other Thorne veterinary and human products.

*ImmunoLin is manufactured by Proliant, Inc.

References
1. Hunt E, Fu Q, Armstrong MU, et al. Oral bovine serum concentrate improves cryptosporidial enteritis in calves. Pediatr Res 2002;51:370-376.
2. Perez-Bosque A, Pelegri C, Vicarrio M, et al. Dietary plasma protein affects the immune response of weaned rats challenged with S. aureus Superantigen B. J Nutr 2004;134:2667-2772.
3. Perez-Bosque A, Miro L, Polo J, et al. Dietary plasma proteins modulate the immune response of diffuse gut-associated lymphoid tissue in rats challenged with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B. J Nutr 2008;138:533-537.
4. Jiang R, Chang X, Stoll B, et al. Dietary plasma protein is used more efficiently than extruded soy protein for lean tissue growth in early weaned pigs. J Nutr 2000;130:2016-2019.
5. Jiang R, Chang X, Stoll B, et al. Dietary plasma protein reduces small intestinal growth and lamina propria cell density in early weaned pigs. J Nutr 2000;130:21-26.
6. Pierce JL, Cromwell MD, Lindemann LE, et al. Effects of spray-dried animal plasma and immunoglobulins on performance of early weaned pigs. J Anim Sci 2005;83:2876-2885.
7. Perez-Basque A, Miro L, Polo J, et al. Dietary plasma protein supplements prevent the release of mucosal proinflammatory mediators in intestinal inflammation in rats. J Nutr 2010;140:25-30.
8. Lembcke JL, Peerson JM, Brown KH. Acceptability, safety, and digestibility of spray-dried bovine serum added to diets of recovering malnourished children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1997;25:381-384.

Contact:
Kathi Head, ND, Director of Thorne Vet
208-263-1337, x109
khead@thorne.com

About Thorne Vet

Thorne Vet is a division of Thorne Research, Inc., and a leading provider of high-quality, holistic, animal health products for the veterinary health market. The Thorne Vet line of products includes advanced formulations designed to promote cardiovascular, neurological, bone, joint, dietary, eye and GI health and to reduce stress and improve sleep. Thorne Vet products are available from leading veterinary practices across the United States. More information is available at www.thornevet.com.

About Thorne Research

Since 1984, Thorne Research has set the standard for exceptional quality manufacturing and formulation of premium hypoallergenic dietary supplements available through licensed health care practitioners. With more than 280 products, Thorne Research is recognized by health care practitioners as a global leader in providing dietary supplements of the highest quality and purity. Located in Sandpoint, Idaho, and Greenwich, Connecticut, Thorne Research operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, employing more than 160 people. Further information on Thorne is available at www.thorne.com.