Washington, Oct 9 : Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified neurotransmitter serotonin as a chemical responsible for inhibiting milk production and secretion in human mammary glands.

The study was led by Nelson Horseman, PhD, UC professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter made in the brain and intestinal tract.

The chemical is stored in blood platelets and released at wound sites to promote clotting and healing when it is produced in the intestinal tract.

The researchers say that the finding could prove beneficial for the development of technologies that could help increase milk production and yields from other mammals.

“Knowing the chemical responsible for inhibiting milk production could help us to improve milk yields in other mammals,” Horseman said.

In lactating mammals, when mammary glands become full, milk synthesis and secretion gradually slows to a stop. Milk production begins again once mammary glands are emptied.

“If we can understand how to stop or reduce serotonin production in the mammary gland, we can reverse its actions,” Horseman said.

The study will be issued in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). (ANI)