Precursors of hexoneogenesis within the human mammary gland

The human mammary gland is capable of de novo synthesis of glucose and galactose (hexoneogenesis); however, the carbon source is incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the role of acetate, glutamine, lactate and glycerol as potential carbon sources for hexoneogenesis. Healthy breastfeeding women were studied following a 24-h fast on two occasions separated by 1–3 wk. Five women were infused with [U- 13 C]lactate or [1,2- 13 C 2...