The role of Oxytocin in some mammary gland functions (A critical Study)

Abstract

This Research was conducted to review the role of oxytocin in mammary gland function and development. The literature reviewed , depended on concerned books and many Journals as dairy science , reproductive and fertility, Endocrinology and web site. From the results of some procedures used to detect the role of oxytocin in milk removal and ejection, mammary blood flow , intera mammary pressure and milk yield .It is concluded that oxytocin secretion is necessary for milk removal and mammary gland development. Also oxytocin facilitates milk ejection by inducing the contraction of myoepithelial cell surrounding the mammary alveoli. Also Oxytocin together with estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of myoepithelial cells and is required for post partum alveolar proliferation and mammary gland function. This review also concluded that chronic oxytocin treatment can reduce milk ejection in dairy cows.