Slide Set 4: Lactogenesis Flashcards
Define Lactogenesis
Ø A series of cellular changes whereby mammary epithelial cells are converted from a non-secretory state to a secretory state.
Ø There is an increase in RNA:DNA ratio (from 1:1 during pregnancy to 2:1 in early lactogenesis)
Lactogenesis consists of two stages:
Stage I:
Cytologic & enzymatic differentiation of the epithelial cell
Stage II:
Copious secretion of milk
When does stage 1 of lactogenesis happen?
- Occurs before parturition (prepartum)
- In cows (9 mon.) 4 month, goats (5 mon), 3 month, rats (3 weeks) 30 h prepartum, women (9 mon) mid. pregnancy
What occurs during lactogenesis stage 1?
- Coincides with colostrun formation and immunoglobulin uptake
- Limited milk synthesis and secretion
- No lactose biosynthesis
Example of enzymatic differentiation in stage 1:
Ø Increased synthesis of enzymes necessary for synthesis of milk components
Ø Increased # of transport systems for milk precursors (e.g. amino acids & glucose)
What are some histological changes that occur in lactogenesis stage 1:
Ø Prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum
Ø Marked increase in the # of mitochondria
Ø Prominent Golgi bodies
Ø Lipid and protein granules accumulate in the lumen
Ø Increase in the size of the alveoli
Ø Closure of tight junctions
What happens during lactogenesis stage 2?
Copious secretion of milk:
Significant increase in mammary blood flow and substrate uptake
In cows, stage 2 of lactogenesis begins _____ and humans _____
pigs & mice _____
0-4 pre-partum and lasts for few days post-partum
2-3 post-partum
at parturition
What initiates lactogenesis stage 2
The pre-partum removal of secretion could initiate lactogenesis II
What are the changes in mammary secretion during lactogenesis?
Lactogenesis I (colostrogenesis) High concentrations of protein, immunoglobulins, Na, Cl Low concentrations of lactose, K, citrate
Lactogenesis II
High concentrations of lactose and K Low concentrations of protein, fat
What are lactogenic hormones?
- Prolactin
- ACTH (glucocorticoids)
- Estrogen
- Absence of progesterone
In most mammals, birth and ______coincide with the withdrawal of progesterone
lactogenesis II
When does the progesterone drop occur in humans?
In humans, the major fall in progesterone occurs after birth (30-40 h after birth)
How is lactogenesis 2 and human baby body weight related?
Human infants have significant fat reserves and slow rate of neonatal growth
How long does the lactogenesis 1 last for?
mid pregnancy to day 2 postpartum
What happens during lactogenesis 1 in hormonal and tissue level in humans
- Differentiation of secretory cells
- Prolactin stimulates mammary epithelial secretory cells
- Progesterone inhibits prolactin secretory activities during late pregnancy
What happens during lactogenesis 1 in hormonal and tissue level in humans?
- Differentiation of secretory cells
- Prolactin stimulates mammary epithelial secretory cells
- Progesterone inhibits prolactin secretory activities during late pregnancy
When does colostrum start forming in humans?
Mother will start making colostrum half way through pregnancy (endocrine control system)
When does lactogenesis 2 occur?
day 2 to day 5 pospartum
What happens during lactogenesis 2 in hormonal and tissue level in humans?
- The delivery of placenta results in sudden drop progesterone levels
- Triggered by rapid drop in mother’s progesterone and high prolactin levels
- Closure of tight junctions in alveolar cells
- Switch from endocrine to autocrine (local) control