Which of these is a galactopoietic hormone?

Appeared in: Daman & Diu Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

Galactopoiesis refers to the maintenance of established milk production.
Prolactin, secreted by the anterior pituitary, is the primary hormone responsible for galactopoiesis.
It acts on the alveolar cells of the breast to stimulate the synthesis and secretion of milk.
Suckling by the infant provides a powerful stimulus for prolactin release, ensuring a continuous milk supply.

Option B: Oxytocin is a galactokinetic hormone, not galactopoietic. Its primary role is milk ejection (the let-down reflex), not milk production.
Option C: Estrogen is primarily involved in mammogenesis (breast development) during pregnancy. High levels of estrogen actually inhibit milk secretion before birth.
Option D: Progesterone, along with estrogen, is essential for the final development of the breast's lobule-alveolar system during pregnancy (mammogenesis). Like estrogen, it inhibits the actual secretion of milk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormonal Regulation of Lactation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between galactopoietic (prolactin) and galactokinetic (oxytocin) hormones is crucial for nurses when educating and supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Nurses can explain that frequent and effective suckling is the best way to maintain milk supply because it stimulates prolactin release.
If a mother is experiencing difficulty with milk let-down, stress and anxiety could be inhibiting oxytocin release. Nurses can suggest relaxation techniques to facilitate this reflex.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the key term in the question: 'galactopoietic'. This term refers to the maintenance of milk production.
Next, recall the primary hormones involved in the entire process of lactation: mammogenesis, lactogenesis, galactopoiesis, and galactokinesis.
Evaluate each option based on its specific role. Prolactin is for milk production/maintenance. Oxytocin is for milk ejection. Estrogen and Progesterone are for breast development but inhibit milk secretion.
Based on the definition of galactopoiesis, identify Prolactin as the hormone responsible for maintaining lactation.
Confirm the functions of the other hormones to ensure they are incorrect distractors.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 69-71

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 1 p. 288-290

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 48-68

Practise the full Daman & Diu Staff Nurse - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.