Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
08:51
Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models
Published on: July 21, 2011
Evaluation of mammary gland development and function in mouse models
Isabelle Plante1, Michael K G Stewart, Dale W Laird
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 3, 2011
Summary
This study details methods for dissecting mouse mammary glands and assessing development using whole mounts. It also presents an ex-vivo assay to evaluate myoepithelial cell contractions and milk ejection, aiding in the study of gene mutations affecting mammary gland function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The mammary gland exhibits a complex architecture of ducts and alveoli, crucial for lactation.
- Mammary gland development involves intricate interactions between epithelial and stromal cells, regulated by hormones and signaling pathways.
- Disruptions in these developmental processes, often due to genetic mutations, can lead to impaired lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe established techniques for assessing mouse mammary gland development and function.
- To provide methods for evaluating the impact of genetic mutations on mammary gland development and lactation.
- To enable in situ determination of gene mutation effects on mammary gland structure and milk ejection.
Main Methods:
- Mammary gland dissection and whole-mount analysis to assess ductal and alveolar development.
- Ex-vivo functional assay using oxytocin to evaluate myoepithelial cell contraction and milk ejection.
- Comparative analysis of mutant and wild-type mice to determine the in situ effects of gene mutations.
Main Results:
- The described whole-mount technique allows for detailed visualization of mammary gland architecture and developmental stages.
- The ex-vivo assay effectively quantifies myoepithelial cell function and milk ejection efficiency.
- These combined methods enable precise assessment of how specific gene mutations influence mammary gland development and lactation.
Conclusions:
- Established whole-mount and ex-vivo functional assays are valuable tools for studying mouse mammary gland development and function.
- These techniques facilitate the investigation of gene mutations impacting mammary gland morphogenesis and lactation.
- The described methods provide a comprehensive approach for understanding the genetic and cellular basis of mammary gland biology.
Related Concept Videos
01:12The Mammary Glands
The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...