ON THE NERVOUS CONTROL OF LACTATION

Abstract

In 7 rats on the 3d day of lactation, the main galacto-phores were ligated without injury to the nipples. Although no milk could escape, the continued suckling prevented the rapid involution of the glands seen when the nipples are destroyed or the young are removed. Suckling at one set of nipples may maintain active secretion in other glands whose nipples have been destroyed. Probably the act of suckling refiexly stimulates the hypophysis to produce prolactin.