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Horm Metab Res 2010; 42(8): 562-569
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253434
Animals, Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prolactin Inhibition at Mid-lactation Influences Adiposity and Thyroid Function in Adult Rats

P. C. Lisboa1 , L. Pires1 , E. de. Oliveira1 , N. S. Lima1 , I. T. Bonomo1 , A. M. Reis3 , M. C. F. Passos1 , 2 , E. G. Moura1
  • 1Department of Physiological Sciences, Roberto Alcantara Gomes Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 2Department of Applied Nutrition, Nutrition Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 3Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Publication History

received 27.02.2010

accepted 14.04.2010

Publication Date:
06 May 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Maternal hypoprolactinemia at the end of lactation (a precocious weaning model) increases milk leptin transfer and results in overweight, leptin resistance, and secondary hypothyroidism at adulthood. We studied the effects of prolactin (PRL) inhibition during mid-lactation (a partial malnutrition model) on milk leptin transfer, leptinemia, body composition, and thyroid function. Lactating rats were treated with bromocryptine (BRO, 1 mg/twice daily) or saline on days 7, 8, and 9 of lactation. Offspring were sacrificed 10, 21, and 90 days after birth. After treatment, BRO-treated dams showed hypoprolactinemia and hyperleptinemia, and produced less milk with lower levels of lactose and higher milk triglycerides. Milk leptin levels were lower at weaning. Offspring of BRO-treated dams had lower body weight and length as well as less visceral fat during lactation and adulthood. Total fat was also lower at weaning and adult life, whereas total protein was higher at 90 days-old. BRO offspring presented lower serum T4 and TSH at 10 days-old and weaning, respectively. When adults, these rats exhibited hypoleptinemia, lower levels of thyroid hormones, and higher TSH. Early inhibition of PRL therefore leads to offspring malnutrition and affects subsequent growth. Also, inhibition of PRL during lactation predisposes offspring to hypothyroidism; however, when the inhibition occurs during late lactation, the hypothyroidism is secondary, whereas when it is restricted to mid-lactation, the thyroid hypofunction is primary. The programming effect of milk suppression thus depends on the developmental stage of offspring.

Key words

prolactin - bromocryptine - lactation - programming - hormones

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Correspondence

Dr. P. C. Lisboa

Departamento de Ciências

Fisiológicas – 5o andar

Instituto de Biologia

Universidade do Estado do Rio

de Janeiro

Av 28 de setembro 87-

RJ 20551-030 Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Phone: +55/21/2587 6134

Fax: +55/21/2587 6129

Email: pclisboa@uerj.br