Prostaglandins and lactation
Maule Walker, F.M.; Peaker, M.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. Supplementum 77: 299-310
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-1699 PMID: 6946696 Document Number: 170386
Local production and metabolism of prostaglandin F (PGF) by the goat mammary gland in vivo was investigated around the time of lactogenesis and parturition. Significant mammary output of PGF into plasma was observed pre-partum. This ceased near term, in association with increased mammary metabolism of PGF. Some mammary secretion of PGF into milk was observed throughout. Local administration of the mammary gland of a PGF2 alpha analogue, cloprostenol, inhibited the decrease in milk Na normally seen at term with the onset of lactogenesis. Pulmonary metabolism of PGF, also determined over the same period, was extensive at all times studied. It is suggested that PGF may play a local inhibitory role in mammary gland function pre-partum. The possibility that PGF may play a similar role in late lactation is also considered.