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Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences
Physiological Society of Nigeria
ISSN: 0794-859X
Vol. 32, No. 2, 2017, pp. 109-116
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Bioline Code: np17017
Full paper language: English
Document type: Review Article
Document available free of charge
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Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2017, pp. 109-116
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Osmoregulatory Adaptations During Lactation: Thirst, Arginine Vasopressin and Plasma Osmolality Responses
Amabebe, E.; Robert, F. O. & Obika, L.F.O.
Abstract
Summary: Pregnancy and lactation are accompanied by an increase in circulating blood volume secondary to a 10 mOsmol/kgH20 decrease in plasma osmolality, decrease in the osmotic threshold for thirst and arginine vasopressin (AVP) release, prolactin-induced AVP, oxytocin and aldosterone release, as well as increased water intake and retention. The increased blood volume as a result of increased thirst; drinking and fluid retention could be beneficial for milk production and secretion during lactation. Furthermore, AVP can directly initiate milk ejection similar to oxytocin by interacting with both vasopressin and oxytocin receptors located in myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland. This review explores how osmotic equilibrium is maintained during lactation through changes in thirst, AVP release and plasma osmolality; and highlights the potential role of AVP in milk secretion.
Keywords
Lactation; Prolactin; Thirst; Arginine Vasopressin; Plasma osmolality
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© Copyright 2017 - Physiological Society of Nigeria
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