Abstract
Summary
Hypophysectomy in lactating guinea pigs is immediately followed by a rapid decline in lactation and a complete cessation within 2 to 3 days after operation. Galactin was not able to initiate lactation in hypophysectomized experimentally cryptorchid males or to re-initiate and maintain lactation following hypophysectomy at any stage during the first week of lactation. The injection of a suspension of ground fresh whole sheep pituitary gland tissue was able to maintain lactation in 2 cases.
The failure of galactin to initiate or maintain lactation in the hypophysectomized guinea pig is believed to emphasize the importance of the products of the other endocrine glands controlled by the hypophysis in lactation. The importance of the thyroid and of the adrenal cortex has been indicated. Carbohydrate metabolism is also intimately concerned in milk secretion.
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