Effect of Prostaglandins E 1 and F 2a on the Isolated Mammary Gland of Nursing Rats

Abstract

Summary

PGE₁ and PGF_2a are able to induce in vitro the contraction of isolated mammary gland tissue taken from lactating rats, and to provoke the ejection of milk. In vitro pretreatment with either PG reduces the sensitivity of mammary gland tissue to oxytocin. In vitro pretreatment with oxy-tocin increases the sensitivity of the mammary gland to PGs and especially to PGE₁.

The work here described was supported by a Grant of the Ford Foundation, New York, N. Y.

The technical assistance of Mr. M. Vigliani is gratefully acknowledged.

Thanks are also due to the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan, for supplying PGE₁ and PGF_2a.