Introduction: Secretory Activation: From the Past to the Future

Abstract

This issue of the Journal of Mammary Gland Biology brings a synthesis of the historical data leading to our understanding of the physiology of lactation up to about 1980 with the new technologies and understanding resulting from the molecular revolution in the late 20th century. We focus specifically on the activation of secretion at parturition, and show that the field is ripe for new investigation.