EC Pharmacology And Toxicology

Research Article Volume 13 Issue 2 - 2025

Evaluation of Metoclopramide Hydrochloride-Induced Alterations in Prolactin Receptor Expression, Aquaporin-3, Oxytocin Receptors, and Other Key Biomarkers in the Mammary Glands of Lactating Wistar Rats

Emmanuel Nachamada Solomon1*, Yaduma Wandiahyel Gaiuson2, Umar Hajara Ali1, Olowomeye Oluwakemi Mary3, Abdulrauf Rukayya Adebisi1, Umar Baraka1, Onaadepo Olufunke4, Emmanuel Anami Solomon5 and Bako Ibrahim Gaya1

1Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria
2School of Molecular Bioscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Davidson Building, Glasgow G128QQ, UK
3Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria
4Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria
5Adamawa State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author: Emmanuel Nachamada Solomon, Department of Human Physiology, College of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Kaduna, Nigeria.
Received: December 26, 2024; Published: February 10, 2025



Galactagogues, which can be either synthetic or derived from plants, are utilized to stimulate, sustain, and enhance milk production. Metoclopramide, a powerful promoter of prolactin secretion, achieves this via dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus. This study focused on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying metoclopramide's galactagogue effects in lactating Wistar rats. Twelve lactating Wistar rats at the time of parturition were randomly divided into two groups of six animals each. The first group, served as the control. The second group was administered metoclopramide hydrochloride (5 mg/kg) orally for fourteen days. At the conclusion of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, with blood and tissue samples collected for molecular, biochemical, and histological analysis. Treatment with metoclopramide hydrochloride significantly increased milk production compared to the control group by elevating serum prolactin and oxytocin levels, mammary prolactin and oxytocin receptors, aquaporin-3, mRNA prolactin receptor gene, and pituitary gland SOD, while reducing mammary gland ROS production and pituitary gland MDA levels. These findings suggest that metoclopramide hydrochloride positively modulates hormonal and molecular pathways essential for lactation via upregulation of mammary prolactin and oxytocin receptors, aquaporin-3, and the mRNA prolactin receptor gene.

 Keywords: Metoclopramide; Galactagogues; Lactation; Receptors; Aquaporin-3; Mammary Gland

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Emmanuel Nachamada Solomon., et al. “Evaluation of Metoclopramide Hydrochloride-Induced Alterations in Prolactin Receptor Expression, Aquaporin-3, Oxytocin Receptors, and Other Key Biomarkers in the Mammary Glands of Lactating Wistar Rats” ”. EC Pharmacology and Toxicology  13.2 (2025): 01-11.

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