Plasma concentrations of gastrin and somatostatin after breast feeding in 4 day old infants
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G Marchini1, J Winberg, K Uvnäs-Moberg
1Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Breastfeeding healthy newborns did not increase plasma gastrin or somatostatin levels. High peptide levels before feeding in neonates may limit post-feeding hormone release.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastrin and somatostatin are key gastrointestinal hormones.
- Hormonal responses to feeding in neonates are not fully understood.
- Neonatal gut peptide regulation may differ from adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma gastrin and somatostatin concentrations before and after breastfeeding in term infants.
- To determine if breastfeeding stimulates gastrin and somatostatin release in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure plasma gastrin and somatostatin.
- Measurements were taken in healthy, full-term, 4-day-old infants.
- Samples were collected before and after breastfeeding.
Main Results:
- Mean pre-breastfeeding gastrin was 120 (30) pmol/l; somatostatin was 35 (12) pmol/l.
- Breastfeeding did not significantly alter peripheral blood concentrations of either hormone.
- High basal peptide levels were observed in the neonatal period.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding does not appear to stimulate gastrin or somatostatin release in 4-day-old infants.
- Elevated preprandial peptide levels in neonates might inhibit further hormone secretion post-feeding.
- Neonatal gastrointestinal endocrine regulation warrants further investigation.
Abstract:
The plasma concentrations of gastrin and somatostatin were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after breast feeding in healthy 4 day old infants who had been born at full term. The mean (SD) concentrations of gastrin and somatostatin before breast feeding were 120 (30) pmol/l and 35 (12) pmol/l, respectively. Breast feeding in these infants was not followed by increased concentrations of gastrin and somatostatin in peripheral blood. High preprandial peptide concentrations, as seen during the neonatal period may limit the further release of peptide after feeding.