Lipids noncovalently associated with keratins and other cytoskeletal proteins of mouse mammary epithelial cells in primary culture

Lipids noncovalently associated with cytoskeletal (CS) proteins of mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMEC) grown in primary culture were analyzed. A CS fraction, prepared by subjecting MMEC to 1.5 M KCl and 1% Triton X-100 in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4), was extracted 4-6 times with chloroform/methanol. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) indicated that in comparison to whole cell lipid extracts, CS lipids consisted mostly of neutral lipids, especially triacylglycerols and, possibly cholesteryl esters. TLC analysis of chloroform/methanol CS extracts prepared from MMEC that had been incubated 4 h in [3H]palmitate revealed similar results, with the majority of label appearing in triacylglycerols and other neutral lipids. By autoradiography of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, all of the major CS proteins appeared labelled. The major regions of autoradiographic density of the gel were excised, the protein solubilized, and the lipids extracted and subjected to TLC. Most of the radiolabel appeared at the origin and ion front and resolved as neutral lipids. In contrast, keratins of 54-55 kDa and 46 kDa appeared to be associated noncovalently with a higher ratio of polar lipids (possibly phospholipids) to nonpolar (neutral lipids). Very little radioactivity, mostly neutral lipid, was associated with actin. A previously unidentified CS component of 30 kDa had primarily noncovalently bound neutral lipid. The results are discussed in terms of the apparent interactions of keratin filaments with the plasma membrane, nuclear envelope and cytoplasmic organelles.

Prevalence of intramammary infection and teat canal colonization in unbred and primigravid dairy heifers

Teat canal keratin (n = 461) and mammary gland secretions (n = 370) were collected from 31 unbred and 85 primigravid Jersey heifers from one research and three commercial dairy herds. Of 97 heifers from which secretion samples were obtained, 96.9% had intramammary infections and 29% showed clinical symptoms. Seventy-five percent of quarters were infected. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 36 (37.1%) heifers and 55 (14.9%) quarters. One hundred and eight (93.1%) heifers and 326 (70.7%) quarters had teat canals colonized with mastitis pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from teat canal keratin samples from 36 (31%) heifers and 57 (12.3%) quarters. The three most common species isolated from secretion and teat canal keratin samples were Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus hyicus, and S. aureus. Secretions from infected (n = 240) and uninfected (n = 85) quarters had SCC of 13.6 X 10(6)/ml and 5.7 X 10(6)/ml. Macrophages were the most numerous cell type in secretions of infected and uninfected quarters. Quarters with teat canal colonization, but with no intramammary infections, exhibited higher SCC in secretion (9.3 X 10(6)/ml) than quarters without both teat canal colonizations and intramammary infections (4.9 X 10(6)/ml). Data indicated that intramammary infections and teat canal colonizations were more prevalent and SCC higher than previously realized in dairy heifers.

Methods of collection and lipid composition of teat canal keratin in dry and lactating cows

Methods for collecting keratin from the teat canal were examined to select a procedure to obtain representative samples for lipid analysis. Data obtained by solvent extraction of excised teats were compared with those obtained by scraping keratin from dissected teats of lactating and dry cows. Solvent extraction with petroleum ether or 2:1 chloroform-methanol yielded similar dry weights of material. However, both solvents removed large amounts of material other than keratin from the teat canal. The lipid class and fatty acid profiles of the material extracted by solvent flushing were not similar to profiles obtained by scraping keratin from the teat canal. A metal tapestry needle was suitable for collection of keratin from the teat canal of living cows. About 78% of the keratin present in the teat was collected with the needle. Lipid composition of keratin collected with the needle was the same as in keratin scraped from excised teats. The tapestry needle was suitable as a tool for collecting repeatable, representative samples of keratin for analysis from single teat canals of living cows.

Two-dimensional gel analysis of polypeptides from normal, preneoplastic and neoplastic mouse mammary tissues

High-resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was employed to reveal tumor-associated polypeptide changes, using the BALB/c C4 line mouse mammary model system, for which phenotypic and immunogenic alterations accompanying tumor progression are well defined. In the first set of experiments, polypeptide patterns from 20 micrograms whole tissue lysates of normal mammary gland, C4 preneoplastic hyperplastic alveolar nodule outgrowth (HAN) and spontaneous tumor from C4 HAN were compared. In order to normalize for differential cellularity and extracellular protein content in the whole tissues, our analysis included polypeptide patterns from serum, increased concentration of protein from whole normal mammary gland, and primary cultures of epithelial cells from normal gland, HAN and tumor. Using a computer-based image-analysis system, 90 polypeptides were identified in C4 tumor that were absent in C4 HAN, normal mammary gland and serum. None of the 90 polypeptides could be shown to represent a definite qualitative change in the protein composition of tumor epithelium as they were found to be either present in a higher concentration of protein from whole normal gland, or present in the primary epithelial culture from HAN, or absent in the primary epithelial culture from tumor. Conversely in the second set of experiments, when epithelial cultures were used as the starting point for comparisons to locate tumor-associated polypeptides, none of the 15 polypeptides that were present in cultures from three different tumors, and absent in the culture from normal mammary gland was specific to C4 tumor, as they were present in whole tissues of normal gland. Thus our experimental approach detected significant quantitative but no qualitative polypeptide changes in whole tumor tissue, or in tumor-derived epithelial cell cultures. This finding may reflect the limitations of the two-dimensional PAGE method, and warrants caution in the use of such gel analysis alone to identify tumor-associated proteins.

Milk protein typing of bovine mammary gland tissue used to generate a complementary deoxyribonucleic acid library

The milk protein genotype of a mammary gland tissue that was used to generate a cDNA library at the University of California, Davis was typed by PAGE. Casein and whey proteins were extracted from the mammary tissue and typed utilizing fast mini-gel procedures that provide excellent resolution of the milk proteins. The genotype of the mammary tissue was classified as kappa-casein AB, beta-casein A2A1, alpha s1-casein BB, beta-lactoglobulin AA, and alpha-lactalbumin BB. The genes kappa-casein A, beta-casein A2, beta-lactoglobulin A, and alpha-lactalbumin B that have been cloned from this cDNA library coincide with those in the above tissue genotype with the exception of the recently reported cloning of the alpha s1-casein A gene. The gene frequencies for the casein genetic variants for three breeds of dairy cattle is presented and discussed in relation to the low frequency (.3%) of the alpha s1-casein A in the population.

Analysis of ecdysteroids in Onchocerca gibsoni, O. volvulus and nodule tissues

Free ecdysteroids were detected in Onchocerca gibsoni, in tissues constituting O. volvulus and O. gibsoni nodules and in unrelated bovine tissues. Ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone were identified by HPLC-RIA and GC/MS(SIM). The concentration of free ecdysteroids in the nodule tissue immediately surrounding the parasites was at least an order of magnitude higher than that detected in the worms themselves, or in adjacent nodular tissues or other bovine tissues.

Identification of alpha transforming growth factor as a possible local trophic agent for the mammary gland

Biologically active alpha-transforming growth factor (alpha-TGF) has been identified in medium conditioned by rat mammary myoepithelial and, to a lesser extent, by epithelial cell lines in culture and in the rat mammary gland. The alpha-TGF has been identified by its wide spectrum of activity in promoting growth of mammary-derived cells in vitro, by its chromatographic behaviour on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), by its competition with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for the EGF receptor, and by the presence of messenger RNA for alpha-TGF in the secreting cells. In vivo the amount of alpha-TGF isolated is sixfold greater from the mammary glands of lactating than from those of virgin female rats. It is proposed that alpha-TGF is produced by the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland, as a local trophic agent that stimulates growth of the various cell types of the gland.

Purification, characterization, and localization of 70 kDa calcium-sensitive protein (calelectrin) from mammary glands

Mammary glands contain a group of calcium-sensitive proteins that bind to membranes in a calcium-dependent manner. Using the calcium-dependent binding to hydrophobic surfaces in combination with conventional techniques, we have purified the 70 kDa mammary calcium-binding protein (70 kDa M-CBP) to homogeneity. Antisera prepared to the 70 kDa M-CBP or to bovine liver 67 kDa calelectrin reacted in immunoblot analysis with the 70 kDa M-CBP antigen and with several additional mammary CBP species in crude tissue homogenates. Limited proteolysis of the 70 kDa M-CBP produced smaller immunoreactive species; extensive proteolysis resulted in more complete degradation of the protein. Identical data were obtained with digestion of 67 kDa calelectrin. The pl for the 70 kDa M-CBP was determined to be approximately 5.8; the same value reported for 67 kDa calelectrin. Phosphorylation of 70 kDa M-CBP was not detected in epithelial cell culture metabolic labeling. Immunohistochemical localization showed the protein to be located in ductal epithelia of virgin mouse mammary glands with a pattern of increased staining of the basal portions of the cells. Some stromal cells were also reactive. Apparently, the 70 kDa M-CBP and 67 kDa calelectrin are the same protein. Furthermore, like the 32.5 calelectrin (endonexin) and calpactin I/p36/lipocortin II, the 70 kDa protein appears to be a ductal epithelial cell associated protein in the mammary gland.

Localization of vimentin in myoepithelial cells of the rat mammary gland

Myoepithelial cells in the virgin rat mammary gland have been shown to contain vimentin, using a polyclonal antiserum to vimentin purified from hamster fibroblasts. This antiserum has been shown to be specific for vimentin by immunoblotting and ELISA techniques. Similar results were obtained with a monoclonal antibody to vimentin. In the mammary glands of pregnant rats, the staining with vimentin antibodies is much weaker in the myoepithelial cells of the developing alveolar buds than in the main ducts. Similarly, in lactating glands, the staining of myoepithelial cells is much weaker in the secretory alveoli than in lactiferous sinuses. In each case, staining with antivimentin co-localizes with staining with polyclonal antisera to callous keratin (which specifically stain myoepithelial cells in the rat mammary gland).

Effects of nickel chloride on lactating rats and their suckling pups, and the transfer of nickel through rat milk

The excretion of nickel into rat milk following subcutaneous (sc) doses of nickel chloride (NiCl2) and the effects on the lactating rat and her suckling pups were determined. Plasma and milk Ni concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner 4 hr after single doses of 0, 10, 50, or 100 mumol NiCl2/kg to lactating rats, giving milk/plasma Ni ratios of 0.02. Peak plasma Ni concentrations were reached 4 hr after injection, while milk Ni increased until 12 hr and remained elevated at 24 hr. Dosing for 4 days at 50 or 100 mumol NiCl2/kg/day led to higher milk/plasma Ni ratios of 0.10. These doses of NiCl2 had no effect on body weight but caused decreased food consumption, thymic atrophy, and a small increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation in the dams. Significant alterations in milk composition, which were not due to decreased food consumption as determined in pair-fed rats, included increased milk solids (42%) and lipid (110%), and decreased milk protein (29%) and lactose (61%). NiCl2 treatment also caused significant decreases in mammary RNA content and the RNA/DNA ratio compared to both ad libitum-fed and pair-fed rats, indicating that milk synthetic activity was reduced by NiCl2. Pups suckling the NiCl2-treated dams had plasma Ni concentrations of 24 and 48 micrograms/liter in the 50 and 100 mumol/kg dose groups, respectively, and had decreased liver weight but no changes in hepatic lipid peroxidation or thymus weight. The results indicate that high doses of NiCl2 led to the excretion of Ni into rat milk and changes in milk quality and production. Reductions in liver weight in the suckling pups were also observed which may have been due to nickel exposure or to changes in milk composition.

Effects of a high-linoleate and a high-alpha-linolenate diet on spontaneous mammary tumourigenesis in mice

SHN mice were fed a high-linoleate diet, a high-alpha-linolenate diet or a control diet. Spontaneous mammary tumourigenesis was significantly inhibited in the high alpha-linolenate group compared to the other two groups, while little difference was observed among groups in the rates of lung metastasis. The dietary alpha-linolenate/linoleate balance affected the fatty acid patterns of tissue lipids. The triacylglycerol/phospholipid ratios and the fatty acid patterns were significantly different between the mammary glands and the mammary tumours. The results indicate that the dietary alpha-linolenate/linoleate balance affects the fatty acid composition and, in turn, spontaneous mammary tumourigenesis in mice.

Cloning and sequencing of a complementary deoxyribonucleic acid coding for a bovine alpha s1-casein A from mammary tissue of a homozygous B variant cow

A cDNA clone for bovine alpha s1-casein variant A was isolated from a mammary gland cDNA library using a synthetic degenerate oligonucleotide probe. The largest Pst I insert containing an EcoR I site was sequenced. It contained 1090 base pairs, 47 in the 5' noncoding region, 603 in the coding region and 440 in the 3' noncoding region. The nucleotide sequence was compared with three published cDNA sequences for alpha s1-casein variant B. The most obvious difference was the absence of the 39 bases encoding the 13 amino acids that are present in the B variant but absent from the A variant. In addition, five other single base positions differed within individual codons among the four sequences at the third base for each codon, but this did not change the amino acids encoded. There were, however, a number of differences found in the 3' noncoding region. The isolated cDNA was subjected to site-directed mutagenesis to replace a Val-Ile dipeptide with Phe-Phe to increase the chymosin sensitivity of the protein. When the milk proteins from mammary gland tissue extracts were typed, the alpha s1-casein A gene product was not detected.

Suckling-induced prolactin release potentiates mifepristone-induced lactogenesis in pregnant rats

Suckling, starting at 19:00 h on Day 18 of pregnancy, induced a significant increase in serum prolactin concentration at 20:00 h on Day 19 of pregnancy, but no increase in mammary gland casein or lactose content. Mifepristone (2 mg/kg) injection at 08:00 h on Day 19 of pregnancy induced significant increases in casein, but not in lactose, 24 h after administration. Mifepristone alone did not induce prolactin secretion, indicating that lactogenesis was induced by placental lactogen in the absence of progesterone action. When mifepristone was injected into suckling rats, serum prolactin concentrations were higher than in the untreated suckling rats. Casein in these rats increased significantly 12 h after mifepristone administration and lactose at 24 h after. If the suckling mifepristone-treated rats were given two injections of bromocriptine (1.5 mg/kg) at 12:00 h on Days 18 and 19 of pregnancy, serum prolactin concentrations were not increased by suckling, but casein and lactose concentrations in the mammary gland showed values similar to those obtained in the mifepristone-treated non-suckling rats. Mifepristone can therefore potentiate suckling-induced prolactin release in pregnant rats, demonstrating a direct central inhibitory action of progesterone on prolactin secretion. This suckling-induced prolactin secretion, unable to induce casein or lactose synthesis in the presence of progesterone, enhanced significantly synthesis of these milk components in the absence of progesterone action (rats treated with mifepristone). Fatty acid synthase, which is stimulated by the suckling stimulus in lactating rats, was not modified by mifepristone or suckling in pregnant rats.

Epidermal growth factor precursor in mouse lactating mammary gland alveolar cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that high levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) occur in human and rodent milk and that oral administration of this polypeptide stimulates rodent gastrointestinal development. It is not known whether EGF in milk originates from cells of the lactating mammary gland or is sequestered from an extramammary source. In the present study, prepro-EGF mRNA (approximately 4.7 kilobases) was detected in the CD-1 mouse mammary gland throughout the period of lactation; by comparison, negligible levels of this EGF transcript were found in the gland during pregnancy. Low levels of EGF immunoreactivity (4-5 ng/g wet wt tissue) were extracted from lactating (day 18) mammary glands with dilute acetic acid. Immunolocalization was evident with antisera to either EGF or two other regions of the EGF precursor in essentially all alveolar cells of the lactating gland. The most prominent staining with antiserum to EGF was observed along the luminal borders of cells; this pattern of cellular staining required proteolytic pretreatment of tissue sections. Western blot analyses of cell membranes isolated from the day 16 lactating mammary gland revealed an EGF-immunoreactive band at about 145K, which was equivalent in size to the EGF precursor found in mouse kidney cell membranes. Despite these findings, labeling of lactating mammary gland mince with L-[35S]methionine and cysteine for up to 4 h did not reveal any specific bands in immunoprecipitates. These cumulative findings suggest that the precursor form of EGF occurs in alveolar cells of lactating mammary gland and that this protein is translocated to the cell membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of lipoprotein lipase with heparin

The hydrolysis of triglyceride-rich plasma lipoproteins is initiated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) located at the luminal surface of endothelial cells. We previously reported that LPL binds to cultured endothelial cells with a Km of 2.7 x 10(-7) M and that this binding is inhibited by heparinase, heparin, or heparan sulfate. We and others recently isolated LPL cDNAs from various animals. The deduced amino acid sequence from cDNA sequence is highly conserved among animal species. The structural analysis revealed two regions rich in basic amino acid residues at the carboxyl-terminal region that may interact with the anionic heparin-like molecules. Amino acid residues 292 to 300 of bovine LPL are extremely similar to the reported heparin binding sites on apolipoproteins B-100 (amino acid residues 3359-3367) and E (amino acid residues 142-150).

Clonal populations of the mouse mammary cell line, COMMA-D, which retain capability of morphogenesis in vivo

Clonal populations were isolated from the mouse mammary cell line, COMMA-D, by transfection with a dominant-selectable gene, pSV2Neo, which confers resistance to the antibiotic, G418. Seven of twenty-four clones isolated retained the ability of the parental line to repopulate cleared mammary fat pads in vivo as ductal-alveolar hyperplasias. Two sublines designated CDNR2 and CDNR4 retained hyperplastic growth potential after multiple passages in vitro with low incidence of tumor formation. A third subpopulation, CDNR1, contained a single integration site for the pSV2Neo plasmid indicating a bonafide clonal origin for this subline. CDNR1 cells displayed heterogeneous growth phenotypes in vivo including hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma, and bone formation. Functional differentiation of CDNR1 cells organized as alveolarlike structures in vivo or on floating collagen gels in vitro was observed as determined by immunoperoxidase staining for the milk-specific protein, casein. Overall, the results indicate that a subset of cells from the COMMA-D cell line may be functionally analogous to stem cells existing in the mammary gland.

Release of cholesteryl esters by the mammary gland of the pre-partum cow

In five cows that were regularly milked before parturition, cholesteryl esters were continuously released into the mammary fluid; their concentration in the fluid was initially high, but decreased a few days before parturition when mammary secretion of fluid and triglyceride was increasing. The composition of fatty acids in the cholesteryl esters of mammary fluid and in blood plasma was different, suggesting mammary synthesis of cholesteryl esters.

Molecular cloning and sequencing of cDNAs encoding the entire rat fatty acid synthase

Overlapping cloned cDNAs representing the entire sequence of the rat fatty acid synthase mRNA have been isolated from a cDNA library and sequenced. Authenticity of the cDNA clones was supported by hybridization to fatty acid synthase mRNA and by amino-terminal sequencing of 39 fatty acid synthase CNBr fragments. The full-length fatty acid synthase mRNA is 9156 nucleotides long and includes an 84-nucleotide 5' noncoding region, a 7515-nucleotide coding sequence, and a 1537-nucleotide 3' noncoding region; a second mRNA species containing a shortened 3' noncoding sequence is also transcribed in the rat. The encoded fatty acid synthase subunit contains 2505 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 272,340. Active sites and substrate binding sites were located within the sequence, thus establishing the order of domains on the multifunctional animal fatty acid synthase as condensing enzyme-transferase-dehydrase-enoyl reductase-ketoreductase-acyl carrier protein-thioesterase.

Glucocorticoid receptor from lactating goat mammary tissue comparison of native and activated forms in a cell free system

Physicochemical properties of native and activated (DNA-binding) forms of the glucocorticoid receptor in cytosol prepared from lactating goat mammary tissue have been examined. Under hypotonic conditions the cytosolic receptor sediments at 8.4 S or 9.9 S in the absence or presence of 10 mM molybdate, respectively. The receptor in cytosol, either with or without molybdate elutes from DEAE-cellulose at approximately 200 mM potassium phosphate concentration. Isoelectric focusing reveals that this form of the receptor focuses at pH 5.5. Further, the cytosolic form of the receptor exhibits minimal binding affinity for polyanions such as DNA-cellulose. Its Stokes radius is 77 A and the mol. wt is approximately 331,000. Following exposure to in vitro activating conditions (including elevated ionic strength or temperature), the liganded receptor exhibits much lower affinity for DEAE-cellulose (elution at 35-55 mM potassium phosphate concentration). Other alterations in properties of the activated receptor, after partial purification, include sedimentation at 3.9 S in hypotonic sucrose gradients, binding to polyanions (DNA-cellulose), and an isoelectric point at pH 7.2. This receptor has a Stokes radius of 58 A and a mol wt of 98,000. A degraded form, with a mol. wt of approximately 57,000 and high affinity for polyanions, was the major form of the receptor obtained if appropriate precautions to prevent or remove proteolytic activity were not observed during purification and/or characterization of the activated receptor.

Estrogen and progesterone augment growth responsiveness of mammary tissue to cholera toxin

Second (thoracic) mammary glands of endocrine intact mice were removed intact and incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium supplemented with insulin, aldosterone, and cholera toxin. Insulin and aldosterone resulted in relatively little mammary development. However, insulin, aldosterone, and cholera toxin substantially increased mammary development, as assessed by development scores and DNA after 6 d of culture. Ovariectomy abolished the ability of cholera toxin to augment mammary development in vitro. Estradiol and progesterone injections for 3 d partly restored responsiveness of mammary tissue to cholera toxin, whereas responsiveness was greater after 6 d of injection than in endocrine-intact mice. Additionally, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (kinase A) activity of fourth (inguinal) mammae was increased after as little as 3 d of estradiol and progesterone treatment. Cholera toxin induced phosphorylation of at least one protein was also increased by estradiol and progesterone. Because cholera toxin is a potent activator of adenylate cyclase, these findings suggest that estradiol and progesterone interact with cyclic AMP active agents to promote mammary development. This interaction may be mediated, at least in part, by increased kinase A activity and increased kinase A substrate availability.

Developmental regulation of murine mammary-gland 90 kDa heat-shock proteins

We have examined the regulation of murine mammary-gland 90 kDa heat-shock protein (hsp-90) as a function of normal development and differentiation. We find that both hsp-90 and amounts of its mRNA are modulated during development and differentiation, with the highest concentrations of mRNA and protein being present in tissues from pregnant and lactating animals respectively. Metabolic labelling experiments with [35S]methionine reveal that the rate of synthesis of hsp-90 also varies among tissues from various developmental states and correlates with the relative hsp-90 mRNA content. These data also suggest that the highest concentration of hsp-90 found in lactating mammary tissues may be due to a greater stability of this protein in this developmental state. The possible significance of the developmental modulation of mammary hsp-90 to mammary steroid-receptor properties is discussed.

Prolactin regulation of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) expression in normal mouse mammary epithelium

The hormonal regulation of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) RNA in normal mouse mammary epithelium was studied in an explant system. In tissue from parous mice, physiological concentrations of prolactin stimulated MMTV expression, while only pharmacological concentrations of cortisol were effective. Regulation in explants from virgin mice was similar to that in parous animals except that the former were less sensitive to prolactin; this relative unresponsiveness may explain why uninduced tissue from virgin mice does not express MMTV RNA, while that from parous mice does exhibit some basal production. These results suggest that prolactin plays a major role in MMTV expression in normal mammary epithelium and that glucocorticoids may only have a permissive effect or may act through an indirect mechanism requiring high concentrations. These data also suggest that the greater susceptibility of parous mice to MMTV-induced tumorigenesis may reflect the greater prolactin sensitivity in the glands from these animals.

Mammary gland development and alpha-lactalbumin production in hypophysectomized, pregnant mice

Swiss Webster mice were hypophysectomized on Day 10 of pregnancy and the effect of the ablation on mammary gland development was estimated by measuring the total weight and the DNA, RNA, and alpha-lactalbumin contents and concentrations of the mammary gland on Days 14 and 18 of gestation. Although a significant increase in mammary gland weight occurred in the hypophysectomized animals between Days 10 and 18 of pregnancy, the mammary gland weight of the hypophysectomized mice was significantly reduced when compared with intact and sham-operated mice on both Days 14 and 18 of pregnancy. The total RNA content of the mammary gland was also reduced in the hypophysectomized mice, although it increased significantly from Day 10 to Day 18. The alpha-lactalbumin content of the mammary gland increased only slightly between Days 10 and 14 of gestation in the intact and sham-operated mice, but a large increase was found on Day 18 in both groups. There was, on the other hand, no increment in the alpha-lactalbumin content of the mammary gland in the hypophysectomized mice either on Day 14 or 18 of gestation. The DNA content of the mammary gland was not affected by hypophysectomy when estimated on Days 14 and 18 of pregnancy. The effects of hypophysectomy on the concentrations of mouse placental lactogen II (mPL-II), progesterone, corticosterone, and thyroxine in the maternal serum were also assessed. The concentration of mPL-II was significantly elevated in the hypophysectomized mice, whereas the circulating concentrations of both corticosterone and thyroxine were greatly reduced. The serum progesterone concentration was not significantly altered by hypophysectomy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification and sequence analysis of a second form of prolactin receptor by molecular cloning of complementary DNA from rabbit mammary gland

Two lambda gt11 clones containing fragments of cDNA encoding the prolactin receptor from rabbit mammary gland were isolated using a rat liver prolactin receptor cDNA probe. An 1848-base-pair open reading frame encodes a mature prolactin-binding protein of 592 amino acids that contains three domains: (i) the extracellular, amino-terminal, prolactin-binding region of 210 residues; (ii) the transmembrane region of 24 residues; and (iii) the intracellular, carboxyl-terminal domain of 358 residues. This latter domain is much longer than the cytoplasmic domain (57 residues) previously described for the rat liver prolactin receptor. In addition, the sequence identity of this form of prolactin receptor with the growth hormone receptor is extended in the cytoplasmic domain.

New mammary epithelial and fibroblastic cell clones in coculture form structures competent to differentiate functionally

We have established and characterized a spontaneously immortalized, nontumorigenic mouse mammary cell line, designated IM-2. IM-2 cells synthesize large amounts of the milk protein beta-casein upon addition of lactogenic hormones. The induction of beta-casein occurs rapidly and does not require any exogenous extracellular matrix components. The IM-2 cell line is morphologically heterogeneous and could be separated into cell clones with epithelial and fibroblastic characteristics. In monoculture, none of the epithelial clones could be induced to synthesize caseins. Coculture of epithelial and fibroblastic clones, however, rendered the epithelial cells competent to differentiate functionally; the addition of lactogenic hormones to these cocultures resulted in the synthesis of beta-casein in amounts comparable to that seen with the original IM-2 line. Using this unique cell system, we have investigated the interrelationships between different steps in differentiation leading to hormone-induced casein production. Independent of hormones, epithelial-fibroblastic cell contacts led to the formation of characteristic structures showing the deposition of laminin. We found that the epithelial cells located in these structures also exhibited significantly increased levels of cytokeratin intermediate filament polypeptides. Double immunofluorescence revealed that the cells inducible by hormones to synthesize casein, colocalized exactly with the areas of laminin deposition and with the cells showing greatly intensified cytokeratin expression. These results suggest that hormone-independent differentiation events take place in response to intercellular epithelial-mesenchymal contacts. These events in turn bring about a state of competence for functional differentiation after lactogenic hormonal stimulation.

Heparan sulfate-mediated binding of epithelial cell surface proteoglycan to thrombospondin

Purified NMuMG mouse mammary epithelial cell surface proteoglycan (PG), a membrane-intercalated core protein bearing both heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains, binds to a thrombospondin (TSP) affinity column and is eluted by a salt gradient. Double immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrates extensive co-localization of bound exogenous TSP and cells bearing exposed cell surface PG at their apical surface. The binding, as assayed by both methods, is heparitinase-sensitive, but not chondroitinase-sensitive. Alkali-released heparan sulfate chains bind to a TSP affinity column, similarly to native PG, whereas the chrondroitin sulfate chains do not. Core protein does not bind to TSP. These results indicate that NMuMG cells bind TSP via their surface PG and that the binding is mediated by the heparan sulfate chains.

Isolation of plasma membranes from mammary gland by two-phase polymer partitioning

An aqueous polymer two phase partition method was adapted for isolation of plasma membranes from mammary gland of lactating rats. Plasma membranes isolated by this method were enriched 23-fold in activity of the plasma membrane marker phosphodiesterase I and were depleted, relative to homogenates, in activities of enzymes which are markers for intracellular organelles and endomembranes. Yields of plasma membranes obtained by this method were 0.3 +/- 0.1 mg protein/g wet tissue weight. Plasma membranes were isolated more rapidly and yields were more consistent than those obtained with density gradient centrifugation methods which have been applied for isolation of plasma membranes from mammary gland.

Effect of a mammary-derived growth inhibitor on the expression of the oncogenes c-fos, c-myc and c-ras

A mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) inhibits the resumption of growth of stationary Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vitro. The present study shows that the resumption of growth is accompanied by a rapid increase of the steady state mRNA level of the proto-oncogenes c-fos, c-myc and c-ras, which is reduced by MDGI. EAC cells from the exponential growth phase insensitive to MDGI did not show a reduced RNA expression. The effect of MDGI represents a novel activity at the level of gene expression and suggests a link to exist between growth inhibition and the reduction of c-fos, c-myc and c-ras expression.

A mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) related 70 kDa antigen identified in nuclei of mammary epithelial cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of the mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI) and the subcellular localization of MDGI-related antigens in bovine mammary glands. Cell-free translation of poly(A+) = RNA, immunoprecipitation with rabbit anti-MDGI-antibodies, and estimation of the relative contents of MDGI by a radioimmunoassay in mammary tissue of different functional states revealed that the 13 kDa MDGI was dramatically increased in terminally differentiated mammary tissue compared with the proliferating tissue from pregnant animals. To address the question of tissue localization, polyclonal anti-MDGI antibodies and antibodies directed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 69 to 78 of MDGI were used. Western blotting of tissue fractions revealed the cytosolic and microsomal localization of MDGI. Additionally, both types of antibodies detected a 70-kDa antigen in the nuclear fraction of differentiated mammary glands. Salt extraction and DNase I digestion of isolated nuclei, as well as chromatin purification, indicated an association of the 70-kDa antigen with the chromatin. By means of the immunogold technique, MDGI-related antigens were localized within euchromatic nuclear regions of epithelial cells in the intact differentiated mammary gland. The immunostaining was markedly diminished in the proliferating tissue. This finding raises the possibility that MDGI and the 70-kDa antigen influence cell proliferation by acting on gene expression within the nuclei of mammary glands.

Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors on plasma membranes from rat mammary gland. Demonstration of vasopressin receptors by stimulation of inositol phosphate formation, and oxytocin receptors by binding of a specific 125I-labeled oxytocin antagonist, d(CH2)5(1)[Tyr(Me)2, Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9)]OVT

The addition of oxytocin to minces of rat mammary gland preincubated with (3H)myo-inositol stimulated the formation of inositol phosphate (IP) in both lactating and regressed glands. Stimulation was about 4 times greater in regressed tissue, consistent with an oxytocin effect on myoepithelial cells, which are enriched relative to epithelial cells during regression. The stimulation of IP formation was agonist specific, as shown with several oxytocin analogs. Arginine vasopressin (AVP), however, was more than twice as potent as oxytocin in stimulating IP formation in regressed tissue. Both V1- and V2-selective AVP receptor antagonists inhibited the stimulation of IP formation by oxytocin. The V1-selective antagonist was about 10 times more inhibitory than the V2-selective antagonist. [3H]AVP was bound to plasma membranes from the mammary gland of the lactating rat with an apparent Kd of about 0.7 nM and Bmax of 54.6 fmol/mg protein. These values were comparable with those found for AVP receptors of kidney plasma membranes. Our results suggest that the stimulation of IP formation in rat mammary gland by oxytocin occurs through occupancy of AVP, and not oxytocin, receptor sites. A second aspect of these studies was to determine if a recently developed iodinated antagonist of oxytocin-induced uterine contractions could be used as a specific probe for oxytocin receptors in the rat mammary gland. Under steady state conditions, [125I]d(CH2)5(1)[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9)]OVT was bound to a single class of independent binding sites in mammary gland plasma membrane from lactating rats with an apparent Kd of 65 pM and Bmax of 225 fmol/mg protein. Noniodinated antagonist had an affinity about 150 times less than the monoiodinated form. The affinity of binding sites for AVP was 10 times greater than the noniodinated antagonist and 2.4 times greater than oxytocin. In view of the presence of AVP receptors in mammary tissue, these findings suggested that the iodinated antagonist binds to AVP receptors. However, comparison of the binding of iodinated antagonist to plasma membranes from the lactating mammary gland with kidney medulla and liver, target sites for AVP, showed that binding was specific for the mammary gland and hence oxytocin receptors. The concentration of oxytocin receptors in mammary gland, as determined by [125I]d(CH2)5(1)[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9)]OVT binding, was 4 times greater than the concentration of high-affinity AVP receptors, as determined by [3H]AVP binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Photoaffinity labelling of the oxytocin receptor in plasma membranes from rat mammary gland

Plasma membranes from rat mammary gland containing a high concentration of [3H]oxytocin binding sites (2.8 pmol/mg protein) were used for photoaffinity labelling experiments. Competitive binding experiments show that these receptors bind with high affinity the specific oxytocin agonist [Thr4, Sar7]oxytocin and the analogue of 1-deamino-[8-lysine]vasopressin containing a photoreactive azidobenzoyl group (Abz) at the side chain of lysine. The tritium-labelled (50 Ci/mol) photoreactive analogue incorporated into a membrane protein with an apparent relative molecular mass of 65,000 +/- 3000 Da (n = 16). The labelling of this protein was completely suppressed by an excess of oxytocin.

Cell-surface heparan sulfate and heparan-sulfate/chondroitin-sulfate hybrid proteoglycans of mouse mammary epithelial cells

The hydrophobic cell-surface proteoglycans of mouse mammary epithelial cells were purified by gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and liposome incorporation. The size of the proteoglycans appeared to be directly proportional to the size of their heparan-sulfate chains, larger proteoglycans yielding larger chains. The chondroitin sulfate chains, in contrast, showed no size heterogeneity. Digestion of 125I-labeled proteoglycans with heparitin-sulfate lyase and chondroitin ABC lyase yielded core proteins of approximately 93 kDa, approximately 85 kDa and approximately 38 kDa. Comparison with single enzyme digestions identified the 93-kDa and 85-kDa cores as components of hybrid proteoglycans that carried both heparan-sulfate and chondroitin-sulfate chains. Immunoblotting indicated that the 93-kDa and 85-kDa cores shared the epitope defined by monoclonal antibody 281-2. The 38-kDa core, in contrast, carried only heparan-sulfate chains and lacked the 281-2 epitope. Preparations enriched in heparan sulfate or in heparan-sulfate/chondroitin-sulfate hybrid proteoglycans were obtained by N-desulfation and ion-exchange chromatography. Hybrid proteoglycans accounting for the bulk of the chondroitin-sulfate and nearly half of the heparan-sulfate residues of the proteoglycans showed a similar polydispersity of heparan-sulfate chain sizes as found in proteoglycans that carried only, or predominantly, heparan-sulfate chains. These hybrids contained heparan-sulfate and chondroitin-sulfate chains in similar molar amounts. Analysis of 125I-labeled proteoglycans suggested that typical hybrid proteoglycans were composed of a 85-kDa core protein that carries a single chondroitin-sulfate chain and a single heparan-sulfate chain of variable length. A minority of hybrids seemed characterized by the variant, but possibly structurally related, 93-kDa core protein. The other half of the hydrophobic proteoglycans were composed of the 38-kDa core and carried only heparan-sulfate chains. The significance of the co-existence of hybrid and heparan-sulfate proteoglycans at the cell surface and possible relationships between the proteoglycans need to be further clarified.

Immunolocalization of the human basal epithelial marker monoclonal antibody 312C8-1 in normal tissue and mammary tumours of rodents

Using immunoperoxidase staining of monoclonal antibody 312C8-1 against 51,000 dalton human keratin polypeptide, immunolocalization was observed in frozen sections of normal tissue and mammary tumours of adult female mice and rats. In normal tissue, the epitope was recognized in myoepithelial cells of the mammary, sweat and salivary glands, and in basal and suprabasal cells of the epidermis. However, the antibody did not react with luminal epithelial cells of the above glands or with mesenchymal cells. In spontaneous mammary tumours of mice, marker-positive tumour cells were distributed only in the outer layer of adenocarcinoma Type A, while they were scattered in some foci of adenocarcinoma Type B, and encircled the epithelial foci of pregnancy dependent tumours (plaque). All layers of epidermoid structures in adenoacanthoma revealed positivity. In rat mammary tumours induced by local dusting with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) powder, the staining pattern of benign tumours was comparable to that of the normal mammary gland. But, in addition to basally situated cells, marker-positive tumour cells were found scattered in the foci of adenocarcinoma, and were not restricted to basal cells in squamous cell carcinoma. The marker was not found in sarcomatous tissue. This antibody can therefore also be applied to rodents, and the staining pattern can be used to identify the epithelial subclass specific marker in normal tissue and in mammary tumours.

Localization of tissue copper in mouse mammary tumors

The purpose of this study was to determine the copper deposition and localization during the evolution of two murine mammary adenocarcinomas. In the normal tissue, the copper was located within the cytoplasm, whereas it was intra- and perinuclear in the tumors. The more angiogenic and metastatic tumor showed the higher percentage of copper-positive cells. In the tumor, copper deposits correlated well with its angiogenic and metastatic ability, but additional factors would be required for the process to be induced.

Solubilization and characterization of lactogenic hormone receptor from kidney of lactating cow

Solubilization of the microsomal fraction from bovine kidney by Triton X-100 or by 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio] 1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) increased 2-fold the thermodynamic association constant for hGH. While solubilization with CHAPS did not change the 13-fold preferential binding of human growth hormone (hGH) over ovine prolactin (oPRL), solubilization with Triton X-100 increased this preference to 47-fold. The binding was optimal at pH 7-7.5 in the presence of 10 mM of MgCl2 or CaCl2. The association rate with hGH was identical in the microsomal and Triton X-100 solubilized fractions but the dissociation was slower in the latter. Only partial dissociation was observed at neutral pH. Full dissociation was, however, achieved by lowering the pH to 4-5, indicating that the binding was not covalent. Gel filtration studies of the Triton X-100 solubilized fraction after preincubation in the presence of reducing agent revealed two sharp peaks of activity, one having Mr of greater than 700 kDa that represented the aggregated receptor, and the second, with Mr 110-115 kDa. The specificity of the partially purified receptors clearly shows that they are lactogenic and not somatogenic. They resemble lactogenic receptors found in other bovine organs, but differ from other species particularly in their differential affinities of PRL and hGH.

T antigen expression and tumorigenesis in transgenic mice containing a mouse major urinary protein/SV40 T antigen hybrid gene

A hybrid mouse major urinary protein (MUP)/SV40 T antigen gene was microinjected into fertilized mouse embryos and the resulting transgenic mice analyzed for the regulated expression of the transgene. Available evidence indicates that the MUP gene used for the hybrid gene construct is expressed in both male and female liver and possibly mammary gland. Three different transgenic lines exhibited a consistent pattern of tissue specific expression of the transgene. As a consequence of transgene expression and T antigen synthesis in the liver, both male and female transgenic animals developed liver hyperplasia and tumors. Transgene expression and liver hyperplasia commenced at approximately 2-4 weeks of age, the same time that MUP gene expression is first detected in the liver. The expression of the transgene resulted in an immediate strong suppression of liver MUP mRNA levels but had relatively little effect on other liver specific mRNAs. From 4 to 8 weeks, the liver increased several fold in size, relative to non-transgenic littermates. Definitive tumor nodules were not apparent until 8-10 weeks. The transgene was also consistently found to be expressed in the skin sebaceous glands and the preputial gland, a modified sebaceous gland. The expression of the transgene in the skin sebaceous glands is consistent with the presence of MUP mRNA in the skin and a putative role for MUPs in the transport and excretion of small molecules. Occasional expression of the transgene in other tissues (kidney and mammary connective tissues) was also noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Isolation of a mycotoxin (gliotoxin) from a bovine udder infected with Aspergillus fumigatus

A bovine udder infected with Aspergillus fumigatus was analysed by physico-chemical methods (thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and direct exposure probe-mass spectrometry) for the presence of mycotoxins. Gliotoxin, a fungal metabolite with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties was isolated for the first time from naturally infected tissue. The gliotoxin concentration analysed (9.2 mg kg-1 udder) was approximately 100 times higher than the concentration known to produce morphological changes of cells. Gliotoxin may play an important role in the establishment and development of an infection with A fumigatus.

Quantitation of calmodulin in the mammary gland of the lactating sow

It has been suggested that calmodulin, a calcium-binding protein, has a functional role during milk secretion. High levels of calmodulin are present during lactation in rat mammary glands and a substantial increase has been observed in the bovine mammary gland prior to parturition. In the sow, regressed glands involute while suckled glands remain highly active even though they are under the same hormonal influence. In this study, tissue samples were taken from suckled and regressed glands of the same sow at both peak and late lactation. Calmodulin and total protein were measured in tissue homogenate supernatants. Residual milk was apparent in regressed glands during mid lactation but not in the same glands by late lactation. Calmodulin levels in tissue were the same for both suckled and regressed glands. There was a slight but non-significant increase in the tissue calmodulin level from peak to late lactation. Protein levels declined significantly from mid to the late stage of lactation. There was no change in protein level between the suckled and regressed glands. Calmodulin may be responsible for casein phosphorylation and/or the mediation of prolactin action on the gland. The precise regulatory mechanisms relating hormonal control to calmodulin levels during lactation need further investigation.

32P-postlabeling analysis of 1-nitropyrene-DNA adducts in female Sprague-Dawley rats

The 32P-postlabeling technique was used to qualitatively establish the pattern of DNA adduct formation in mammary tissue and liver following administration of 1-nitropyrene to female Sprague-Dawley rats. 1-Nitropyrene (100 mg/kg b.w.) was administered by gavage in trioctanoin and the rats were sacrificed 24 h later. DNA was isolated from mammary fat pads and liver, enzymatically hydrolyzed to deoxyribonucleoside-3'-monophosphates and then converted to [5'-32P]3',5'-bisphosphates. The polyethyleneimine-cellulose (PEI-cellulose) TLC 32P-fingerprints revealed the presence of multiple putative adducts in the mammary fat pads and in the livers. To investigate the role of nitroreduction in the formation of these adducts, calf thymus DNA was incubated with [3H]1-nitropyrene in vitro in the presence of xanthine oxidase. The DNA was isolated and analyzed by the 32P-postlabeling technique. A major adduct spot was detected and confirmed as N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene. This adduct cochromatographed with a minor in vivo adduct of DNA obtained from mammary fat pads and livers. However, the major adducts detected in vivo did not appear to originate from simple nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene. The results of this study suggest that other metabolic pathways, such as ring oxidation, or ring oxidation followed by nitroreduction, may be responsible for the putative 1-nitropyrene-DNA adducts observed in mammary fat pads and livers of female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Metabolism of retinol and retinoic acid in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinomas in rats

This study was conducted to examine the in vivo uptake and metabolism of natural retinoids by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinomas. In this study, endogenous retinol and retinyl esters were present in normal mammary epithelial cells, but were undetectable in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinomas in rats as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. No differences were found in plasma levels of retinol, in liver retinyl esters, or total content of vitamin A between tumor-bearing and control animals. Administered labeled retinol was taken up and esterified by normal mammary epithelial cells. Tumor-bearing rats were given injections i.p. of either [3H]retinol or [3H]retinoic acid. Radioactivity increased progressively with time in liver and other tissues except in breast tumor, where the uptake fluctuated over the 8 days after the injection of [3H]retinol; in mammary tumors practically no metabolism of [3H]retinol occurred, while in other tissues extensive esterification was detectable. In contrast, in animals given injections of [3H]retinoic acid, the uptake and metabolism of the label in the breast tumors paralleled with those found in other tissues. Neither the activity of acyl coenzyme A:retinol acyl transferase nor the activity of retinyl ester hydrolase was altered in the mammary tumor compared to the normal mammary gland. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the retinal oxidase activity was found in tumor tissue compared to normal mammary tissue. Since no esterification of [3H]retinol occurred in vivo despite the presence of acyl coenzyme A:retinol acyl transferase activity, it is possible that a specific defect in the cellular uptake of retinol may exist in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinomas.

Purification, cloning, and expression of the prolactin receptor

The rat liver prolactin receptor has been purified to homogeneity, and partial amino acid sequences have been obtained. The structure of the receptor has been deduced from a single complementary DNA clone. The mature protein of 291 amino acids has a relatively long extracellular region, a single transmembrane segment, and a short (57 amino acids) cytoplasmic domain. With the rat cDNA used as a probe, the prolactin receptor in rabbit mammary gland and human hepatoma cells has also been isolated. These tissues contain a second, longer form of the receptor (592 and 598 amino acids, respectively). Both the short and long forms of the prolactin receptor show regions of strong sequence identity with the human and rabbit growth hormone receptors, suggesting that the prolactin and growth hormone receptors originate from a common ancestor.

Monoclonal antibody detection of prolactin-binding subunits in the rabbit mammary gland

The structure of prolactin (PRL) receptor in the rabbit mammary gland was examined using a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb). The PRL receptor preparation used was purified by making use of a PRL-affinity column. MAb inhibited the binding of PRL to the receptor, in a dose-dependent manner and completely at a high concentration. Using the receptor directly labelled by 125I, the preparation was incubated with MAbs and the immune complex was collected by Pansorbin and examined by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The autoradiography showed that three species with apparent Mr values of 77,000, 41,000 and 25,000 specifically reacted with MAbs. The pattern changed little in the presence or absence of dithiothreitol. Western blot analysis showed that two species (Mr 77,000 and 41,000) reacted with MAb. Affinity labelling of the receptor with labelled PRL revealed three bands with Mr values of 96,000, 60,000 and 43,000 on SDS gels. The high-Mr complex (Mr greater than 200,000) was always present at the top of the gel. These results show that the mammary gland contains at least three PRL-binding subunits. The differences in Mr before and after PRL binding were close to the Mr of PRL. This would suggest that each PRL binding subunit reacts with one PRL molecule.

Localization of alpha-casein gene transcription in sections of epoxy resin-embedded mouse mammary tissues by in situ hybridization

The objective of our study was to evaluate the suitability of aldehyde-fixed, epoxy resin-embedded tissue for efficient and reproducible detection of casein mRNA in mouse mammary tissue by in situ hybridization. We used mouse alpha-casein-specific, 35S-labeled riboprobes generated from a Gemini-3 vector. Both complementary (anti-sense) and homologous (sense) RNA probes were utilized in our study (specific activity ranged from 5-7 x 10(8) cpm/micrograms). We tested the stability of newly synthesized [3H]-uridine-labeled RNA in tissue sections subjected to epoxy plastic solvents and found that no detectable loss of label occurred during preparation of semi-thin (1-2 micron) plastic sections for situ hybridization. In addition, it was possible to detect alpha-casein mRNA in deplasticized sections of mammary gland tissue taken from normal, pregnant, or lactating mice, pre-neoplastic mammary alveolar hyperplasias, explant cultures, and mammary tumors. A positive hybridization signal was consistently obtained in sections of mammary tissues where the estimated average copy number for total casein mRNA was greater than or equal to 250/cell. In mammary tumors, where the estimated casein mRNA content was much lower (less than 5/cell), our positive hybridization signal occurred in regions of the tumor that, in consecutive sections, stained positive for casein by immunoperoxidase. After formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixation, loss of hybridizable RNA from epoxy-embedded tissues and sections appears to be minimal. Image resolution was greatly enhanced over frozen or paraffin sections of mammary tissue. Non-specific binding of the radioactive probes was very low. Protease treatment of the sections was not necessary for detection of hybridizable signal.

A polypeptide growth inhibitor isolated from lactating bovine mammary gland (MDGI) is a lipid-carrying protein

Mammary-derived growth inhibitor (MDGI), a polypeptide growth inhibitor isolated from lactating bovine mammary tissue, previously shown to have extensive sequence homology with fatty acid-binding proteins, was demonstrated to meet the criteria of a fatty acid-binding protein. The protein was found to bind [3H]palmitic acid in a saturable manner and to be complexed with endogeneous free fatty acids. [3H]palmitic acid, when bound to the protein, was more rapidly taken up by the target cells (human mammary carcinoma cells [MaTu]) than was free [3H]palmitic acid, suggesting a lipid carrier function for the inhibitor. It is suggested that the fatty acid-binding properties of MDGI may relate to its ability to inhibit cell growth in vitro and to regulate other cellular functions.

Effect of bovine somatotropin on the distribution of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-I in lactating bovine mammary tissue

The distribution pattern of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-I in normal lactating bovine mammary tissue and in tissue obtained after bovine somatotropin treatment was determined by indirect immunofluorescence. In normal tissue, insulin-like growth factor-I immunoreactivity was observed almost exclusively associated with stromal elements. Intralobular stromal cells, small blood vessels, and capillaries all expressed moderate to high immunoreactivity. In contrast, mammary epithelial cells displayed only sparse cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Immunoreactive material was also present in the periductular connective tissue area, possibly associated with the basal plasma membrane of epithelial cells. Somatotropin treatment of animals resulted in elevated serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations and altered the distribution of insulin-like growth factor-I-stainable material in mammary tissue. After somatotropin treatment, immunoreactivity was still detected in mammary stroma; however, prominent staining was also observed in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial cells. Given the possible role of insulin-like growth factor-I in the regulation of bovine mammary epithelial cell growth and function, our findings raise the possibility that somatotropin may induce insulin-like growth factor-I production in mammary tissue, or other tissues, to influence indirectly the growth or function of the epithelial cells. This offers a possible mechanism for bovine somatotropin stimulation of lactation.

Mammary gland 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor content during pregnancy and lactation

The purpose of this study was to establish the time course and magnitude of changes in 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D receptor activity in rat mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation and to correlate these changes with casein production and alkaline phosphatase activity. Marked increases in both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor and alkaline phosphatase activities were seen towards the end of pregnancy but the time course of these changes was not synchronous. Receptor activity was first detectable at 11 days of pregnancy with a marked rise in receptor levels at 3 days post-partum. Changes in alkaline phosphatase activity more closely correlated with casein production and peak activity was observed at the time of parturition. We conclude that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor content increases during pregnancy and lactation and may be involved in maintaining milk calcium concentration.

Oestrogen (ER) and progestin receptors (PR) in mammary tissue of the female dog: different receptor profile in non-malignant and malignant states

Oestrogen (ER) and progestin receptors (PR) were measured in cytosols from histologically normal mammary tissues (n = 30), and in benign (n = 59) and malignant mammary lesions (n = 49) from female dogs. Receptor levels greater than or equal to 5 fmol mg-1 protein were considered positive. The presence of histologically normal mammary epithelium within specimens of primary tumours was noticed as a factor that may cause false-positive receptor results. Receptor levels in non-malignant tissues, and the receptor status of primary cancers did not vary significantly with regard to the phase of oestrous cycle (anoestrus/metoestrus) or the influence of exogenous progestins. ER- or PR-positivity was more frequent and levels of both receptors were higher in 'normal' tissues and in benign lesions than in primary cancers (P less than 0.001). ER and PR levels were higher in benign lesions of dogs also developing malignant mammary tumours than in benign lesions of dogs that did not (P less than 0.02 and P less than 0.05, respectively). Regional and distant cancer metastases were frequently receptor-negative. In some dogs heterogeneity of receptor status was found between different sites of the same cancer. These findings indicate that in non-malignant mammary tissues of adult female dogs expression of the genes encoding ER and PR is common. In malignant tumours this property may become lost, in particular in advanced states of disease.

Milk production in concurrently pregnant and lactating goats mated out of season

Five lactating goats which had kidded normally in March were mated during seasonal anoestrus in May, at the time of peak milk production, after ovulation had been induced using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Knight et al. 1988). Milk yield was unaffected by the hormone treatment, and decreased at the same rate as that of control (non-pregnant) goats for the first 8 weeks of the pregnancy. Thereafter yield declined more quickly in the test goats and just before parturition (in October) was 57% of the control value. Following parturition in the test animals, yield rose rapidly as the second lactation was established. None became 'dry' at any stage. Yield continued to decline with advancing lactation in the controls, which were mated normally in October or November and dried-off in December. During their second ('extra') lactation in the winter the test animals produced 12% less than in a normal second lactation in summertime; during the year the extra lactation meant that the test animals produced 73% more milk than the controls. In some, a second concurrent pregnancy was established during the extra lactation, with the result that three lactations were obtained in the time normally taken for two. Mammary cell number and proliferation rate were both higher in the pregnant animals than in the controls in week 23 of the first lactation.