Abstract
MILK ejection in mammals is brought about by a contraction of the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli of the mammary gland. This process is normally induced by release of oxytocin from the neurohypophysis as a reflex response to stimulation of the nipples by the suckling young. In most species there is an elevation in plasma oxytocin associated with the onset of the suckling stimulus, though hormone levels often vary considerably on a minute to minute basis1–3. Furthermore, secondary releases of oxytocin during suckling are not related to any particular change in the afferent stimulus. From this kind of evidence, Folley and Knaggs1 suggested that there is an intermittent or “surge-like” release of oxytocin. We report a new line of evidence in support of this concept based on recordings of intramammary pressure during suckling in the rat.
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