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The physiology of the normal human breast: an exploratory study
Dixie Mills1, Eva J Gordon, Ashley Casano
1Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, 2811 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA.
Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
|October 11, 2011
Summary
Drug concentrations in nonlactating breast ductal fluid are lower than in breast milk. This study reveals differences in how substances enter the resting versus lactating mammary gland, impacting disease research.
Area of Science:
- Breast physiology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Ductal transport
Background:
- The nonlactating breast's physiology is understudied, yet crucial for understanding breast cancer etiology.
- Mechanisms of compound entry into breast ducts (hormones, drugs, carcinogens) are not well understood in the resting state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transport of exogenous drugs into ductal fluid in nonlactating women.
- To compare drug concentrations in nonlactating ductal fluid with those in lactating breast milk.
Main Methods:
- 14 nonlactating women ingested caffeine and cimetidine.
- Blood and ductal lavage samples were collected over 12 hours.
- Drug concentrations in blood and ductal fluid were measured.
Main Results:
- Caffeine and cimetidine concentrations in ductal fluid were significantly lower than reported in breast milk.
- Results suggest the cimetidine transporter is not expressed in the nonlactating mammary gland.
Conclusions:
- Highlights significant differences in molecular transport between lactating and nonlactating breasts.
- Supports the need for further research into nonlactating breast physiology for disease insights.
