Endocrinology of lactation

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America Vol. 31; no. 4; p. 963
• Main Author: Buhimschi, Catalin S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.12.2004
• Subjects: Female; Humans; Lactation - physiology; Mammary Glands, Human - anatomy & histology; Mammary Glands, Human - embryology; Mammary Glands, Human - metabolism; Milk, Human - secretion; Oxytocin - physiology; Placental Lactogen - physiology; Pregnancy; Prolactin - physiology

The endocrine control of lactation is one of the most complex physiologic mechanisms of human parturition. Mammogenesis, lactogenesis, galactopoiesis, and galactokinesis are all essential to assure proper lactation. Prolactin is the key hormone of lactation and seems to be the single most important...