title: Lipoprotein lipase in lactating and neonatal northern fur seals: exploring physiological management of energetic conflicts.
abstract: Otariid lactation and neonatal growth are cyclical processes tied to maternal foraging and nursing patterns (i.e. at sea and on land). Both mother and pup undergo repeated shifts from a positive to a negative energy balance, the physiological mechanisms of which are unclear. We measured plasma and tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in free-ranging northern fur seal mother-pup pairs throughout the first month of lactation. Plasma LPL levels were similar in lactating females (11.3-15.9 U) and growing neonates (8.2-15.2 U). Mammary LPL activity was variable, but highest during the attendance period (3.1 U), while maternal blubber LPL was consistently low (<0.5 U). Neonatal blubber LPL activity was also low (0.2-0.4 U) in accordance with their low growth rates and relatively limited blubber deposition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX 77551, USA. joann-mellish@alsakasealife.org
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mellish
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Loughlin
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001835:Body Weight; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D046069:Fur Seals / Q000378:metabolism*; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D008071:Lipoprotein Lipase / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008071:Lipoprotein Lipase