Changes in Stomach Receptors during Pregnancy May Explain Increase in Food Consumption

Article title: Pregnancy-related plasticity of gastric vagal afferent signals in mice

Authors: Hui Li, Georgia S. Clarke, Stewart Christie, Sharon R. Ladyman, Stephen J. Kentish, Richard L. Young, Kathryn L. Gatford, Amanda J. Page

From the authors: “Together, the data indicate that the sensitivity of [gastric vagal afferents] tension receptors to tension is reduced during pregnancy, which may attenuate the perception of gastric fullness and explain increased food intake. Further, these adaptations may be driven by increases in maternal circulating growth hormone levels during pregnancy.”

This study is highlighted as one of January’s "best of the best" as part of the American Physiological Society's APSselect program.