Evidence for a role of insulin in the regulation of lipogenesis in lactating rat mammary gland. Measurements of lipogenesis <i>in vivo</i> and plasma hormone concentrations in response to starvation and refeeding

Abstract

Fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland of lactating rats in vivo was 5-fold higher than in the liver. Starvation decreased fatty acid synthesis in the gland 50-fold, whereas refeeding for 2h completely reversed this change. The plasma insulin concentration decreased 2-fold in starvation and was restored to the fed-rat value on refeeding. Glucagon and prolactin concentrations did not always change in parallel with lipogenesis, suggesting that insulin may be a regulator of this process in the gland.