Inhibitory effect of prostaglandin F2alpha (PgF2alpha) on puerperal lactation

Twenty puerperal women in 4th day after delivery were treated with a saline infusion containing 10 mg of PgF2alpha. Milk secretion, breast engorgement, prolactin plasma levels and side effects were determined. In all patients lactation disappeared within 48 hours after PgF2alpha infusion. During the following 12 hours after PgF2alpha treatment the prolactin plasma levels showed an important and significant decrease in all cases. In the following days the prolactin plasma levels decreased such as in normal puerperium. In some cases low gastralgia and in one case diarrhoea compaired. These results can be explained by PgF2alpha double action either on pituitary-hypothalamic function or on mammary gland cells.