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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models
Published on: July 21, 2011
Mammary plasminogen activator: correlation with involution, hormonal modulation and comparison between normal and
Cell
|April 1, 1979
Summary
Plasminogen activator (PA) production increases during mammary gland involution and is linked to tissue remodeling. Hormone exposure influences PA synthesis in both normal and tumor tissues, offering insights into cellular responses.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Plasminogen activator (PA) plays a role in tissue remodeling.
- Understanding PA regulation is crucial for mammary gland physiology and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze plasminogen activator (PA) content in rodent mammary glands across the life cycle and in response to hormones.
- To investigate PA production in primary mammary tumors.
- To assess the utility of PA as a marker for hormonal effects on normal and malignant mammary tissue.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PA content in normal rodent mammary glands at various life cycle stages.
- Hormonal manipulation of animals and assessment of PA response.
- Organ culture of mammary explants in different hormonal environments.
- Comparison of PA levels and hormonal responses in normal tissue versus primary mammary tumors.
Main Results:
- PA production significantly increased during mammary gland involution, originating from mammary cells.
- Hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, and hydrocortisone modulated involution and PA synthesis.
- Mammary tumors exhibited higher PA production than normal tissue, with distinct hormonal responses.
Conclusions:
- PA production is strongly associated with mammary gland involution and tissue remodeling.
- PA serves as a reliable indicator of cellular response to diverse hormonal stimuli in normal and malignant mammary tissues.
- Organ culture studies of PA synthesis may predict in vivo physiological responses.
