FIGURE 1.

Hypothetical model for reduced milk production as a result of inflammation-mediated suppression of mammary LPL. Our working model used to build the hypotheses in this project was that inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α suppress mammary LPL, leading to less fatty acid available to the mammary gland. This would be reflected in lower concentrations of LCFAs (>16 carbons) in milk, because nearly all LCFAs in milk are derived from the circulation by LPL. In addition, less LCFA is available to the mammary gland for energy production, reducing the milk synthesis rate. LCFA, long-chain fatty acid.