Fur removal promotes an earlier expression of involution-related genes in mammary gland of lactating mice

Elżbieta Król*, Frances Turner, Davina Derous, Sharon E. Mitchell, Samuel A.M. Martin, Alex Douglas, John R. Speakman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Peak lactation occurs when milk production is at its highest. The factors limiting peak lactation performance have been subject of intense debate. Milk production at peak lactation appears limited by the capacity of lactating females to dissipate body heat generated as a by-product of processing food and producing milk. As a result, manipulations that enhance capacity to dissipate body heat (such as fur removal) increase peak milk production. We investigated the potential correlates of shaving-induced increases in peak milk production in laboratory mice. By transcriptomic profiling of the mammary gland, we searched for the mechanisms underlying experimentally increased milk production and its consequences for mother–young conflict over weaning, manifested by advanced or delayed involution of mammary gland. We demonstrated that shaving-induced increases in milk production were paradoxically linked to reduced expression of some milk synthesis-related genes. Moreover, the mammary glands of shaved mice had a gene expression profile indicative of earlier involution relative to unshaved mice. Once provided with enhanced capacity to dissipate body heat, shaved mice were likely to rear their young to independence faster than unshaved mothers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)171-192
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology
Volume193
Early online date18 Jan 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Jan 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • heat dissipation limit
  • involution-related genes
  • mammary gland involution
  • milk production
  • milk synthesis-related genes
  • mother-young conflict

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