“…In agreement with results obtained in previous studies that used the same experimental model (Lima et al, 2010;Marcelino et al, 2004;Montanha-Rojas et al, 2005;Rocha et al, 2014), a significant loss in body mass was observed at P10 in the lactating dams that were subjected to the protein-free diet. Because Wistar rats have previously been shown to readily accept fat-and carbohydrate-rich chows and that chow consumption corrected for body mass is not significantly affected in our model (Pinheiro, Moura, Manhães, Fraga, Claudio-Neto, Abreu-Villaça, et al, 2015;Pinheiro, Moura, Manhães, Fraga, Claudio-Neto, Younes-Rapozo, et al, 2015), a likely explanation for this finding is the recourse, by the PFD dams, to endogenous reserves of amino acids (Woodside, Budin, Wellman, & Abizaid, 2012) in a physiological response to attempt to properly sustain the offspring. This possibility notwithstanding, the protein-free diet resulted in a significant reduction in the protein content of the milk produced by the undernourished dams, in line with previous reports that used a less severe protein restriction (Fukuda, Françolin-Silva, Hernandes, Valadares, & Almeida, 2007;Grigor et al, 1987;Pine, Jessop, & .0 (.0) .0 (.0) 1.5 (3.0)…”