The effect of goat milk fractions on synthesis of milk constituents by rabbit mammary explants and on milk yield in vivo. Evidence for autocrine control of milk secretion.

Lactose and casein synthesis by rabbit mammary explants in organ culture was inhibited when fractions of goat milk were included in the culture medium. Inhibition was dose-dependent, and readily reversed when milk fractions were removed. The pattern of effects obtained with various fractions of milk indicated that inhibition was caused by a protein of 10,000-30,000 Da, which was present in the milk serum or whey fraction. The inhibitor fraction decreased milk accumulation when injected into lactating rabbit mammary glands via the teat ducts, whereas other milk proteins had no effect. Results are discussed in terms of autocrine regulation of milk synthesis through negative feedback by milk constituents.