Breastfeeding Flashcards
Which cells are responsible for milk ejection?
Myoepithelial cells which surround the alveoli - they are contractile
Where does the mammary gland drain?
Into lactiferous sinuses beneath areola of the breast
Where is milk produced?
In the alveoli of the breast
What happens during lactogenesis 1
Placental lactogen and prolactin promote development of breast
Progesterone and oestrogen inhibit milk secretion
What happens during lactogenesis 2?
Fall in progesterone and oestrogen levels reduces inhibition
Suckling stimulus releases prolactin driving milk synthesis and oxytocin which drives milk ejection
What are different components of breast milk?
Low in protein Nutrients Immunoglobulin (secretory IgA) Cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) Growth factors
What types of immune factors are found in breast milk?
Secretory IgA
Complement
Non specific immune factors
Phagocytic cells
What is lactoferrin?
Binds to iron
Inhibits the growth of microorganism through sequestration of iron
What does lysozyme do?
Breaks down cell wall of bacteria
Cleaves peptidoglycans of bacteria walls so they’re more susceptible to immune cells
What effect does dopamine agonist have on lactation? Give an example of one
Suppresses lactation
Decreases prolactin secretion
Bromocriptine or cabergoline
How does dopamine antagonist affect lactation? Give an example of a drug
Augments lactation
Increases prolactin secretion
Domperidone, metoclopramide
