LACTATION IN THE ABSENCE OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

ABSTRACT An isolated deficiency of human growth hormone has been documented in 7 females who have had normal pregnancies and have lactated normally in the post-partum period. One such female was studied during the last trimester and early post-partum period of a normal pregnancy. Plasma HGH was undetectable in this patient's plasma during the period of post-partum lactation when measured following insulin-induced hypoglycemia, arginine infusion and suckling. Since HGH was not detectable during active lactation, both in the basal state and following provocative stimuli, the human growth hormone molecule, or at least those parts of it which are immunologically active and involved in growth promotion, must not be necessary for post-partum lactation.