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Related Experiment Videos

Hexoneogenesis in the human breast during lactation.

Agneta L Sunehag1, Kathryn Louie, Jessica L Bier

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Nutrition Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|January 15, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Plasma glucose is a key source for milk lactose synthesis. However, the breast also generates glucose and galactose internally through hexoneogenesis, with glycerol aiding galactose production.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Lactose is the primary milk osmotic agent, regulating milk volume.
  • Understanding lactose synthesis is crucial for milk production and infant nutrition.
  • The precise origins of glucose and galactose in lactose require elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the sources of glucose and galactose incorporated into milk lactose.
  • To investigate the contribution of plasma glucose versus de novo synthesis within the breast.
  • To assess the role of glycerol as a precursor in lactose synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Stable isotope tracing using [U-13C]glucose and [2-13C]glycerol in lactating women.
  • Analysis of isotopic enrichment in plasma glucose, plasma galactose, and milk lactose.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparison of precursor contributions under fasting and fed conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Plasma glucose accounted for 98% of glucose and 68% of galactose in lactose when fed.
    • During fasting, plasma glucose contributed 72% of glucose and 51% of galactose to lactose.
    • Isotope labeling confirmed glycerol as a precursor for galactose, but not glucose, synthesized within the breast (hexoneogenesis).

    Conclusions:

    • Plasma glucose is a significant contributor to lactose synthesis.
    • The mammary gland actively synthesizes glucose and galactose (hexoneogenesis) for lactose production.
    • Glycerol is a precursor for de novo galactose synthesis in the breast, but not for glucose.