The calcium-sensing receptor regulates mammary gland parathyroid hormone-related protein production and calcium transport.

ABSTRACT: The transfer of calcium from mother to milk during lactation is poorly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) production and calcium transport in mammary epithelial cells are regulated by extracellular calcium acting through the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR). The CaR becomes expressed on mammary epithelial cells at the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Increasing concentrations of calcium, neomycin, and a calcimimetic compound suppress PTHrP secretion by mammary epithelial cells in vitro, whereas in vivo, systemic hypocalcemia increases PTHrP production, an effect that can be prevented by treatment with a calcimimetic. Hypocalcemia also reduces overall milk production and calcium content, while increasing milk osmolality and prote

SUBMITTER: VanHouten J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC338258 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature