Hepatic gluconeogenesis is essential for maintenance of whole body glucose homeostasis and glucose supply for mammary lactose synthesis in the dairy cow. Upregulation of the gluconeogenic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC) during the transition period is vital in the adaptation to the greater glucose demands associated with peripartum lactogenesis. The objective of this study was to determine if ...

Mammary transcriptome analyses across the lactation cycle and transgenic animal studies have identified candidate genes for mammogenesis, lactogenesis and involution; however, there is a lack of information on pathways that contribute to lactation performance. Previously we have shown significant differences in lactation performance, mammary gland histology, and gene expression profiles during ...

During pregnancy and lactation, the enhanced intestinal Ca(2+) absorption serves to provide Ca(2+) for fetal development and lactogenesis; however, the responsible hormone and its mechanisms remain elusive. We elucidated herein that prolactin (PRL) markedly stimulated the transcellular and paracellular Ca(2+) transport in the duodenum of pregnant and lactating rats as well as in Caco-2 monolaye...

INTRODUCTION Many maternity providers recommend that women with diabetes in pregnancy express and store breast milk in late pregnancy so breast milk is available after birth, given (1) infants of these women are at increased risk of hypoglycaemia in the first 24 h of life; and (2) the delay in lactogenesis II compared with women without diabetes that increases their infant's risk of receiving i...

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. There is also extrapituitary hormone secretion by many cells, including cells of the immune system. In physiological conditions PRL is responsible for lactogenesis and other processes associated with it. PRL plays a significant role during the immune response as a cytokine, affecting proli...

In early postpartum, high-producing dairy cows undergo a period of extensive tissue catabolism because of negative nutrient balance. Metabolic unbalances can lead to diseases, which are known to depress fertility in dairy cows. Negative nutrient balance has been associated with compromised immune and reproductive functions in dairy cows, and a compromised immune system leads to greater risk of ...

Hormonal signals differentially regulate the timing of parturition, as well lactogenesis and, potentially, colostrum formation in the mammary gland. Non-neuronal serotonin (5-HT) is a homeostatic regulator of the mammary gland. In the current study, we manipulated the timing of first milking to investigate its effects on serum 5-HT and calcium concentrations in the maternal and calf circulation...

Background: Breastfeeding is the safest and best method for nurturing infant growth and health. While the harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy are well-established, the consequences of alcohol intake during lactation have been far less examined. The effects of alcohol intake with large amounts noted on the infant include drowsiness, diaphoresis, deep sleep, weakness, decrease in linear g...

The appropriate literature has been reviewed for the purpose of defining the phenomenon of stress in lactating dairy cattle, establishing a baseline concept of lactation stress and emphasizing the most significant aspects of the natural mammary defence mechanisms. Data on the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) make it clear that stress is essentially the rate of wear and tear of the biological s...