Effect of prolactin acting on the coeliac ganglion via the superior ovarian nerve on ovarian function in the postpartum lactating and non-lactating rat

► In non-lactating animals, prolactin via a neural pathway modifies parameters of luteal regression. ► In lactation, the effect of endogenous prolactin prevails over that of neural stimulation. ► In the postpartum rat prolactin would operate as a fine tune modulator of luteal function via a neural pathway.