Lactation reduces prolactin levels in reproductively experienced female rats.

摘要: Long-term alterations in prolactin (PRL) secretion following reproductive experience have been demonstrated both women and female rats. In the rat, these changes include decreased PRL response to a dopamine antagonist challenge ovariectomy, post-coital diurnal nocturnal surges multigravid versus primigravid females, as well suckling-induced release multiparous primiparous females. To date, there no studies examining cycling Studies women, however, reduction basal during menstrual cycle. The purpose of present work was determine whether similar occur rat estrous cycle what extent lactation is involved effects. addition PRL, potential parity-induced estradiol were also studied. findings revealed significant decrease levels afternoon proestrus, which only observed females that had lactated. Significant differences not detected experience. Thus, surge on proestrus consequence requires pregnancy lactation.