Relationship of mammary blood flow to parturition in the ewe

Authors:
  • LBLi Burd
    Li Burd
  • JLJa Lemons
    Ja Lemons
  • EMEL Makowski
    EL Makowski
  • FBFc Battaglia
    Fc Battaglia
  • GMG Meschia
    G Meschia
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Abstract
Mammary blood flow was measured in conscious, unanesthetized ewes with electromagnetic flow probes prior to spontaneous labor (four animals) or during the induction of premature labor (four animals) by administration of dexamethasone, 1 mg/24 h, to the fetus. In all animals an increase in mammary blood flow was noted prior to delivery. Dexamethasone administered to one mother in the same dose did not induce labor or produce an increase in mammary blood flow. These results suggest that the fetal adrenal gland influences maternal mammary blood flow prior to delivery.