Somatostatin Levels in Plasma in Nonsmoking and Smoking Breast‐Feeding Women

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Abstract
The objective of the study was to record how somatostatin levels in plasma are altered in response to breast‐feeding during the lactation period and to relate somatostatin levels to the success of the lactational performance and to smoking habits. Fifty‐two women were investigated 4 days post partum and 3‐4 months later. Blood samples were collected and the levels of somatostatin‐like immunoreactivity (below referred to as SLI) were measured with radioimmunoassay. The periods of exclusive breast‐feeding and of mixed feeding were assessed as well as the milk yield. Smoking habits were noted. SLI levels were found to be significantly lower on day 4 after delivery, compared to 3‐4 months later. Also the type of response to breast‐feeding was different. Thus, a significant fall of SLI was seen during breast‐feeding at the maternity unit, but not 3–4 months later. Smoking women breast‐fed fully for a significantly shorter time than nonsmokers and had significantly higher SLI levels at onset of breast‐feeding day 4 post partum. Whether the high somatostatin levels recorded in connection with breast‐feeding in smokers are related to the shorter period of breast‐feeding seen in this group remains to be established. In addition, the highest levels of somatostatin were seen the day after the very last breast‐feeding and a possible role for somatostatin in the weaning process should be explored.