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Oxytocin and Prolactin Responses in Long-Term Breast-Feeding

Departments of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynecology UCLA School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California.

Abstract

Plasma levels of oxytocin and prolactin were measured before and during 12 minutes of breast pump stimulation in five healthy, lactating, amenorrheic women on three occasions: ten to 90 days post partum, 90 to 180 days post partum, and 180 days to one year post partum. Baseline mean (± SEM) plasma oxytocin levels were similar in the three study periods. Mean stimulated plasma oxytocin levels increased in the three study periods (each P < .001; mean baseline versus stimulated). Stimulated plasma oxytocin values were significantly greater at ten to 90 than at 90 to 180 days (P <.05; analysis of variance). Baseline serum prolactin levels were 61 ± 9.5, 36 ± 8.6, and 33 ± 10.8 ng/ml, respectively (not significant; one-way analysis of variance). Mean stimulated prolactin levels were 71 ± 8.1, 43 ± 4.5, and 43 ± 2.8 ng/ml, respectively (not significant). Thus, the oxytocin secretory reflex continues in long-term lactation for the first year post partum. In addition, breast stimulation in long-term lactating women continues to produce a slight increase in serum prolactin levels.

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				D. T. Ramsay, J. C. Kent, R. A. Owens, and P. E. Hartmann Ultrasound Imaging of Milk Ejection in the Breast of Lactating Women Pediatrics, February 1, 2004; 113(2): 361 - 367. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]