Premium
The lactation–blocking drug bromocriptine and its application to studies of weaning and behavioral development
Author(s) -
Martin Paul,
Bateson Patrick
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.420150207
Subject(s) - bromocriptine , lactation , prolactin , drug , endocrine system , offspring , weaning , blocking (statistics) , pharmacology , medicine , endocrinology , biology , pregnancy , computer science , hormone , computer network , genetics
An experimental method for blocking maternal lactation is reviewed and the possible application of this technique for experimentally manipulating weaning is considered. Maternal milk production can be inhibited using the prolactin‐suppressing drug bromocriptine. The suitability of bromocriptine for use in behavioral experiments is considered. The pharmacology of bromocriptine (CB 154) is briefly outlined and a compilation of the reported lactation‐inhibiting doses for various species is presented. The possible endocrine and behavioral side‐effects and the toxicity of the drug are discussed. It is concluded that, in most species studied so far, the drug is relatively free from significant side‐effects at the low doses needed to suppress lactation. Guidelines for the practical use of bromocriptine are suggested. Finally, some ideas about the possible applications of the drug to the study of behavioral development and parent–offspring relationships are discussed.