Isolation and identification of neuroendocrine peptides from milk

Hormone, hormone-like substances, and neuroendocrine peptides are natural constituents of milk, and they may have an important physiological and pharmacological role in neonate development. The concentration of these peptides in milk greatly exceeds those in serum and implies an active concentration mechanism in the mammary gland. The large quantities in which milk can be supplied and the development of highly efficient procedures for the purification of peptides suggest that milk may prove to be an excellent source for identifying as yet "unknown" hormones and neuroendocrine peptides.