A novel signaling transduction pathway of melatonin on lactose synthesis in cows via melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) and prolactin receptor (PRLR).

ABSTRACT: In the current study, we explored the relationship between melatonin and lactose synthesis in in vivo and in vitro conditions. We found that long-term melatonin feeding to the dairy cows significantly reduced the milk lactose content in a dose dependent manner. This lactose reduction was not associated with a negative energy balance, since melatonin treatment did not alter the fat, glucose, or protein metabolisms of the cows. To identify the potential molecular mechanisms, the cow's mammary epithelial cells were cultured for gene expression analysis. The results showed that the effect of melatonin on lactose reduction was mediated by its receptor MT1. MT1 activation downregulated the mRNA expression of the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR), which then suppressed the gene express

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10484205 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature