Journal
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
Volume 91, Issue 4, Pages 375-382Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.04.015
Keywords
leptin; ingestive behavior; suckling; rats
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The nutritional needs of developing young place a large energetic demand on lactating females. In this paper some of the mechanisms through which lactating rats meet these demands are described. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms that drive increased food intake in suckled rats that are independent of milk delivery and negative energy balance. Evidence is presented to suggest that prolactin (PRL), released from the pituitary in response to suckling stimulation, acts centrally to stimulate food intake during lactation. Brain areas in which PRL may act to stimulate food intake as well as its interactions with other hormones and neuropeptides involved in energy balance are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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