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Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland
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Dynamic architectural interplay between leucocytes and mammary epithelial cells
Jessica R Hitchcock1, Katherine Hughes2, Olivia B Harris1
1Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK.
The FEBS Journal
|November 7, 2019
Summary
New 3D imaging reveals dynamic interactions between mammary gland basal epithelial cells and leukocytes during involution. This study highlights the crucial role of myoepithelial cells in tissue remodeling after lactation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The adult mammary gland undergoes significant changes during puberty and the lactation cycle.
- Mammary epithelium consists of basal myoepithelial cells and luminal cells, which produce milk.
- Immune cells are known to influence mammary gland development and post-lactational regression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the architectural relationship between immune cells and the mammary epithelium using advanced 3D imaging.
- To explore the role of myoepithelial cells in mammary gland involution.
Main Methods:
- Development of protocols for deep 3D imaging of the mammary gland.
- Detailed examination of the spatial organization of immune cells and epithelial cells.
- Analysis of myoepithelial cell morphology during involution.
Main Results:
- A dynamic and previously unobserved relationship between basal epithelium and leukocytes was discovered.
- Morphological changes in myoepithelial cells during involution were identified, not apparent in 2D imaging.
- The findings suggest a significant role for myoepithelial cells in the involution process.
Conclusions:
- Deep 3D imaging is essential for understanding complex cellular interactions within tissues like the mammary gland.
- Myoepithelial cells play a dynamic role in the orderly progression of mammary gland involution.
- The study reveals novel insights into the interplay between the immune system and epithelial remodeling.
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