Abstract
Summary
The effects of reserpine (RSP) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the milk ejection response in lactating rats were studied. Neither RSP nor CPZ blocked the milk ejection response. Pups suckling RSP- and CPZ-treated mothers could obtain as much milk as those in the intact control group. RSP injected each morning blocked the appearance of estrous smears completely for 5 days after weaning. The blockade by CPZ was not complete, but 3 out of 5 rats treated with high dosage of CPZ did not show estrous smears. Mammary glands of RSP- and CPZ-treated groups consisted of well maintained lobulo-alveolar system at 5 days after weaning, while in the injected and the intact control groups complete involution of the gland was observed. The results imply that RSP and CPZ blocked ovulation and activated or maintained prolactin secretion without blocking the milk ejection response.
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