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Related Experiment Videos

The milk ejection reflex in the pig.

F Ellendorff, M L Forsling, D A Poulain

    The Journal of Physiology
    |December 1, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary

    Suckling triggers a milk ejection reflex in sows, driven by a surge of oxytocin without vasopressin. This study investigates the neurohormonal control of milk let-down during piglet nursing.

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    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive Physiology
    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Animal Behavior

    Background:

    • The milk ejection reflex is crucial for successful lactation in mammals.
    • Understanding the hormonal and neural mechanisms controlling milk let-down is essential for animal reproduction and welfare.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the physiological and hormonal mechanisms underlying the milk ejection reflex in conscious sows during suckling.
    • To elucidate the role of oxytocin and vasopressin in mediating milk let-down in response to piglet stimulation.

    Main Methods:

    • Continuous recording of intramammary pressure in conscious sows.
    • Radioimmunoassay of plasma neurohypophysial hormones (oxytocin and lysine-vasopressin).
    • Behavioral observation of sows and piglets during nursing and suckling.
    • Intravenous oxytocin administration and electrical stimulation of the posterior pituitary in sows.

    Main Results:

    • Milk ejection, characterized by increased intramammary pressure, occurred once per suckling period, coinciding with piglet milk consumption.
    • Plasma oxytocin levels significantly increased before milk ejection, while lysine-vasopressin remained at basal levels.
    • Intravenous oxytocin injections mimicked the natural milk ejection reflex, with dose and injection rate influencing the response.
    • Electrical stimulation of the posterior pituitary induced milk ejection and hormone release similar to natural suckling.

    Conclusions:

    • Reflex milk ejection in sows is mediated by the intermittent release of oxytocin, independent of vasopressin.
    • The release of oxytocin is likely triggered by intense activation of hypothalamic oxytocin-secreting neurons.
    • This study provides insights into the neurohormonal control of lactation and milk let-down in pigs.

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