A review of endocrine regulation of metabolism during lactation.

ABSTRACT

Lactogenesis signals the shift from uterine nutrient transfer to the fetus to neonatal nourishment at the mammary gland. Metabolic adaptations involved in this process are under endocrine regulation. Key events include an increase in blood flow to mammary tissue, a decrease in nutrient utilization by peripheral tissues and an increase in nutrient utilization by mammary tissue for milk synthesis. Deficits of certain substrates during early lactation require mobilization of those substrates from depot stores. Changes in metabolism of various tissues are related to changes in hormone receptor populations of those tissues and hormone concentrations in blood. Hormone receptors are therefore the primary mechanism by which information from the endocrine systems is linked to cellular metabolism. Endocrine changes at parturition result in dramatic changes in receptor populations of key tissues such as adipose and mammary tissues. Knowledge in this area, however, is incomplete. Relationship between hormone receptors and specific cellular metabolic pathways remains unresolved.