Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
This chapter discusses the hormonal control of calcium metabolism in lactation. In lactating animals that secrete relatively large amounts of calcium in the milk, a number of adaptive changes in calcium metabolism occur. The efficiency of calcium absorption from the intestine increases twofold or more, and, in the rat, absorption may remain elevated for some time after weaning if dietary calcium intake is limited so that skeletal calcium stores are mobilized to meet the demands of milk secretion. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone act in concert to mediate these changes. Vitamin D through its conversion to 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates calcium absorption, and both parathyroid hormone and the vitamin D metabolite enhance skeletal calcium mobilization. Both hormones are also closely related to the serum calcium level. An elevated blood level of parathyroid hormone, in lactating cows, is stimulated and maintained by a low serum calcium level, but may be required to prevent an excessive drop in serum calcium in response to the calcium drain into the milk. High circulating levels of calcitonin are observed in lactating rats and sheep and in some lactating women. The urinary excretion of calcium is reduced during lactation in several species.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
