Regulation of the Urea Cycle during Lactation

We have recently shown that the uptake of amino acids by rat lactating mammary gland is 15 mmoles/day (1). This effect is achieved by an increase in food intake during lactation and probably by changes in amino acid metabolism in other tissues. Rat liver removes 75% of the total amino acids derived from a protein meal (2); therefore plays a key role in the regulation of plasma amino acid concentration.