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
