Effect of high spinal section on established lactation in the rabbit

¹ Instituto de Estudios Médicos y Biológicos, U.N.A.M. Ciudad Universitaria, México, D. F.

Disconnection of nerve pathways between the mammary glands and the brain was performed in rabbits by means of high spinal transection (T₂) and anterior mammectomy. These procedures resulted in cessation of lactation. However, if oxytocin was administered, lactation continued, though at a reduced level. Administration of ACTH or prolactin had a clearly beneficial effect on the postoperative milk yields. It is concluded that milk synthesis continues, though at a lesser rate, in the absence of neural connections between the mammary glands and the brain.