Low frequency ultrasound promotes lactation in lactating rats / 南方医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of low-frequency ultrasound in promoting milk secretion in rats during lactation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four lactating SD rats feeding 10 suckling rats each were randomly allocated into 3 groups, namely the control group (with sham irradiation), 5 min group (with ultrasonic irradiation of the breast for 5 min daily), and 10 min group (irradiation for 10 min daily). The mammary glands of the rats were consistently irradiated by low-frequency ultrasound (40 kHz, 0.26 W/cm(2)) for 7 days since the 2nd day after delivery. The milk yield, average body weight gain of the offspring, mammary gland index, serum prolactin (PRL) and breast histology were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The milk yield, body weight gain of offspring, mammary gland index and serum PRL concentration in 10 min group were significantly greater than those in the control group and 5 min group (P<0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the 10 min group showed significantly increased acinar gland expansion and acinar number.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low-frequency ultrasound can promote milk secretion in lactating rats, suggesting its potential as a new approach of physical therapy for promoting milk secretion.</p>