Mammary Gland Morphogenesis and Function during Pregnancy

摘要: Chapter Summary In response to progesterone and prolactin, the murine mammary epithelium executes an accelerated proliferative program that is required generate numerous ductal side branches alveoli during early pregnancy. With prolactin exposure later in pregnancy, alveolar epithelial cells differentiate enable synthesis secretion of enough milk components meet nutritional demands average litter size. Termination suckling stimulus at weaning triggers regression alveolar-ductal network through proteinase- apoptotic-mediated remodeling steps, collectively termed involution. Following postlactational involution, gland a structure similar prepregnant mouse completes this cycle development. The fact can enter developmental with each successive pregnancy strongly supports existence resident stem cell.