Related Experiment Videos
Plasma cholecystokinin concentrations after breast feeding in healthy 4 day old infants
K Uvnäs-Moberg1, G Marchini, J Winberg
1Department of Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK) increase after breastfeeding in newborns, aiding digestion and promoting calmness. CCK levels are higher in younger infants, helping them stay satiated with less food.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neonatal Physiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a role in digestion and satiety in adults.
- The physiological role of CCK in newborn infants, particularly after breastfeeding, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK) in newborn infants following breastfeeding.
- To investigate the dynamic changes in CCK levels in response to breastfeeding and their correlation with infant age.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 58 healthy, exclusively breastfed term infants at 4 days of age (range 2-6 days).
- Samples were taken immediately before, immediately after, and 10, 30, and 60 minutes after breastfeeding.
- Plasma CCK concentrations were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation followed by radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Main Results:
- Mean preprandial CCK levels were 68 (17) pmol/l.
- A significant increase in CCK was observed immediately after breastfeeding, followed by a dip at 10 minutes and a secondary rise at 30 and 60 minutes.
- Basal CCK concentrations showed an inverse relationship with infant age.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding stimulates a biphasic release of CCK in newborns, likely involving vagal nerve activation and direct food stimulation.
- CCK release post-breastfeeding may contribute to digestive and metabolic stimulation, as well as the postprandial relaxation and sleepiness observed in infants.
- Elevated CCK levels in younger infants may enhance satiety and calmness, compensating for limited initial food intake.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to characterise plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK) after breast feeding in newborn infants. Fifty eight healthy full term exclusively breast fed infants were investigated at 4 (1) (2-6) days of age. Each infant contributed one blood sample collected just before, immediately after, or 10, 30, and 60 minutes after breast feeding. Plasma concentrations of CCK were measured with a technique consisting of high pressure liquid chromatography separation of gastrins and CCKs and consequent analysis with radioimmunoassay. Mean (SD) preprandial plasma concentrations of CCK (CCK8+CCK-33,39) were 68 (17) pmol/l. A significant increase was seen immediately after breast feeding, which was followed by a decline at 10 minutes and a secondary rise was seen at 30 and 60 minutes. The first peak is likely to be due to a suckling related activation of the vagal nerve and the second to a stimulatory effect of food on CCK-producing cells. An inverse relationship between basal concentrations of CCK and age of the infant was found. In rats peripheral injections of CCK reduce food intake and cause postprandial sedation and sleepiness via activation of an afferent vagal mechanism. CCK release in response to breast feeding may therefore in addition to exerting stimulatory effects on digestion and metabolism contribute to relaxation and sleepiness seen after breast feeding. The high CCK concentrations seen in younger infants may help the infant to remain satiated and calm despite receiving very little food during the first days of life.