Every physiology student is taught that oxytocin is released from the neurohypophysis and acts on the myoepithelial cells to effect milk ejection and on the myometrium to elicit uterine contractions. Milk ejection requires the bolus release of oxytocin, by the (approximately) synchronous discharge of the magnocellular oxytocin containing neurones in the hypothalamus, and this is initiated reflexly by the suckling stimulus applied to the nipple. During parturition also, oxytocin can be released as part of a neuroendocrine reflex when the fetus stimulates sensory nerve endings during its passage through the cervix. The reflex release of oxytocin at this time greatly aids the rapid completion of the delivery process.
All of the foregoing has been known for years and some of it for decades. During this time little progress was made in identifying any clearly defined physiological role for oxytocin during the earlier stages of parturition. Indeed maturational processes in the
Journal of Endocrinology is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.
The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.
More information is on the Reasons to publish page.
| Sept 2018 onwards | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Text Views | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| PDF Downloads | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Online ISSN: 1479-6805
Print ISSN: 0022-0795
Strengthening biomedical communities
to advance science and health
CONTACT US
Bioscientifica Ltd | Starling House | 1600 Bristol Parkway North | Bristol BS34 8YU | UK
Bioscientifica Ltd | Registered in England no 3190519
