Increasing Mammary Protein Synthesis through Endocrine and Nutritional Signals

Abstract

Objectives To determine endocrine factors that regulate the partitioning of amino acids by the mammary gland. To evaluate dietary flow and supply of energy and amino acids and their effects on milk protein synthesis and endocrine status. To use primary cultures of cow mammary epithelial cells to examine the role of specific factors on the rates and pattern of milk protein synthesis. Milk protein is an increasingly valuable component of milk but little is known regarding the specific hormonal and nutritional factors controlling milk protein synthesis. The research conducted for this project has determined that milk protein synthesis has the potential to be enhanced much greater than previously believed. Increases of over 25% in milk protein percent and yield were detected in studies utilizing abomasal infusion of casein and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Thus, it appears that insulin, either directly or indirectly, can elicit a substantial increase in milk protein synthesis if additional amino acids are supplied. For additional amino acids, casein provided the best response even though substantial decreases in branched chain amino acids occur when the insulin clamp is utilized. Branched chain amino acids alone are incapable of supporting the enhanced milk protein output. The mammary gland can vary both blood flow and extraction efficiency of amino acids to support protein synthesis. A mammary culture system was used to demonstrate specific endocrine effects on milk protein synthesis. Insulin-like growth factor-I when substituted for insulin was able to enhance casein and a-lactalbumin mRNA. This suggests that insulin is a indirect regulator of milk protein synthesis working through the IGF system to control mammary production of casein and a-lactalbumin. Principal component analysis determined that carbohydrate had the greatest effect on milk protein yield with protein supply only having minor effects. Work in cattle determined that the site of digestion of starch did not affect milk composition alone but the degradability of starch and protein in the rumen can interact to alter milk yield. Cows fed diets with a high degree of rumen undegradability failed to specifically enhance milk protein but produced greater milk yield with similar composition. The mammary gland has an amazing ability to produce protein of great value. Research conducted here has demonstrated the unprecedented potential of the metabolic machinery in the mammary gland. Insulin, probably signaling the mammary gland through the IGF system is a key regulator that must be combined with adequate nutrition in order for maximum response.