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Presenter: Jacqueline Mary Vitiello

Group Members: Laurel Buckley, Amelia Mchugh, Pilar A. Colón, Hope Ann Crompton

Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Arcaro

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Animal Science

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, Auditorium, A57

ABSTRACT

The permeability of the mammary gland plays an important role in lactation. Usually within the first week after a woman gives birth, tight junctions form between the epithelial cells lining her mammary gland, reducing permeability and allowing for the production of a copious milk supply. This reduced permeability limits the transfer of constituents in blood from passing between the epithelial cells. Low mammary permeability, characteristic of established lactation, is essential for the production of high-quality milk, which impacts infant health, including the development of the infant gut microbiome. It is generally assumed that permeability remains low throughout established lactation, however, in a retrospective study we found that 15% of women with established lactation had elevated levels of mammary epithelium permeability (MEP) associated with altered nutrient content of the milk. These findings prompted us to design a prospective study, the Breastfeeding Child Health and Mammary Permeability Study (Breastfeeding CHAMPS), to investigate the relationship between MEP and milk production, milk nutrient content, and infant gut microbiome. In CHAMPS, 400 participants will provide milk and infant fecal samples at four time periods during lactation: 7 days (transitional), 21 days (early), and 3 & 5 months postpartum (established). MEP was assessed by measuring the concentration of sodium in milk using ion selective probes, and nutrient content (fat, carbohydrates, and protein) was assessed with infrared analysis. We expect that a greater understanding of the relationship between MEP and milk production will help mothers reach their personal lactation goals and improve infant health.