Lactogenesis in the rat: an ultrastructural study of the initiation of the secretory process

R. T. Chatterton, J. A. Harris, R. M. Wynn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three specimens were taken from mammary glands of rats killed on the 18th and 21st days of pregnancy and on the 1st day of lactation. Ultrastructural features of the tissue were compared among rats within and between the two stages of development. The similarity among specimens from the same rats made feasible a comparison of serial biopsies obtained every 4 hr, starting on the afternoon of the 21st day of pregnancy. From the 18th to the 21st days of pregnancy, a marked increase in the amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum occurred. The alveolar cells of rats killed on both days and in biopsies obtained at 17 and 13 hr before parturition contained abundant small lipid droplets and vacuoles containing many protein granules with little clear fluid (stasis vacuoles). Alveolar lumina were distended with secretion by 17 hr before parturition. Between 8 and 12 hr before parturition, the accumulated protein and lipid were rapidly extruded from the alveolar cells despite evidence of continued biosynthesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)479-484
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Reproduction and Fertility
Volume43
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1975

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Embryology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Developmental Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lactogenesis in the rat: an ultrastructural study of the initiation of the secretory process'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this