Mammary Gland Ontogeny and Neoplasia in Oxytocin Deficient Mice.

摘要

The neurohypophysial peptide oxytocin (OT) is synthesized within the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei (PVN and SON) of the hypothalamus and stored within the posterior pituitary gland. The mammary gland is one of the major targets for OT's effects. During lactation suckling by the young stimulates release of OT from the posterior pituitary gland into the peripheral circulation. OT attaches to its receptor on the mammary myoepithelial cell and elicits contraction and the ejection of milk, In addition to its contractile effects, OT has been reported to enhance myoepithelial cell differentiation and proliferation in murine mammary organotypic cultures.