The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin due to increased firing in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract.
This functional ratio change is mediated by a decrease in myometrial sensitivity to progesterone, due to a decrease in progesterone receptor A, and a concurrent increase in myometrial sensitivity to estrogen, due to an increase in estrogen receptor α.
[1][2] In their studies among mice, Niles Newton and colleagues demonstrated the importance of cortical influences.
The concept of cortical influences provided reasons to raise questions about the process of parturition among humans, characterized by a high encephalization quotient.
The higher the intervention rate, such as induction or caesarian section, the lower the likelihood of the Ferguson Reflex occurring.