This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Breastfeeding has many important health implications for mothers and infants. Breastfeeding is thought to reduce an infant's risk of infections, immune system diseases, atopic diseases, and chronic diseases. There are also both psychological and health benefits for breastfeeding mothers. Thus, it is universally recommended that mothers breast feed infants. Prolactin deficiency can be an obstacle to breastfeeding in some women. Complete prolactin deficiency may result from previous pituitary surgery and/or radiation, Sheehan's syndrome, or congenital prolactin deficiency caused by Pit-1 mutations. Prolactin replacement is likely to be highly effective in treating these patients for lactation insufficiency. This open-label pilot study will be the first to examine the safety and efficacy of r-hPRL to induce lactation in mothers with complete prolactin deficiency, for whom there is currently no treatment.
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