Inhibitory effect of adrenaline on oxytocin release in the ewe during the milk-ejection reflex

Abstract

SUMMARYMilk-ejection activity was determined in the blood plasma of ewes during normal milking and during milking when adrenaline was injected intravenously before or after udder stimulation. It was found that administration of adrenaline either before or after udder washing, decreased the oxytocin concentration and milk yield but increased the yield by hand-stripping. Adrenaline also retards the average time for peak oxytocin concentration. These results and the use of a β-receptor blocker to inhibit the effect of adrenaline at the myoepithelial cell level indicate that in ewes adrenaline can prevent the release of oxytocin from neurohypophysis.