Mammary response to exogenous prolactin or frequent milking during early lactation in dairy cows

Frequent milking of dairy cows during early lactation results in a persistent increase in milk yield; however, the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. We hypothesized that increased exposure of the mammary gland to prolactin (PRL) mediates the milk yield response. Fifteen multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to 3 treatments for the first 3 wk of lactation: twice daily milking with (2x + PRL) or without (2x) supplemental exogenous PRL, or 4 times daily milking (4x). Mammary biopsies were obtained at 7 DIM, and rates of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in vitro were determined. Mammary expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1, -2, and -3; the long form of PRL-receptor; and alpha-lactalbumin mRNA was measured by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine into DNA was not affected by frequent milking or PRL treatment; however, analysis of autoradiograms revealed that stromal cell proliferation was greater in 4x cows. Mammary expression of SOCS-1 was not affected by milking frequency or PRL treatment. Expression of SOCS-2 mRNA was increased with frequent milking or PRL treatment, whereas expression of SOCS-3 mRNA was reduced by frequent milking or exogenous PRL. Abundance of PRL-receptor mRNA was reduced, whereas alpha-lactalbumin mRNA was increased with PRL treatment. These results demonstrate that the bovine mammary gland is responsive to exogenous PRL during early lactation. In addition, differences in the response to frequent milking or exogenous PRL during early lactation indicate distinct effects of PRL and milk removal on the mammary function of dairy cows.