Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2026

Using Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells to Teach Core Biology Concepts: A Simple Lab Module
Published on: June 18, 2015
[Effect of oral contraceptives on the proliferative activity of breast cancer]
I Schönborn1, C Minguillon, M Möhner
1Frauenklinik Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Standort Charlottenburg, Freie Universität, Berlin.
Abstract:
In 471 breast cancer patients the possible influence of an antecedent oral contraceptive (OC) use on proliferative activity (PCNA-expression) of mammary carcinomas was investigated. PCNA-expression (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) was immunohistochemically assessed using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. PCNA-expression discriminated tumors of low (< 20%) and increased (> or = 20%) proliferative fractions. 297 (63%) patients had ever used OCs and 202 (43%) of them were long-term users (> or = 49 months). Age adjusted proliferative fractions showed no statistically significant differences dependent on duration of OC use (never, 1-48 months, > or = 49 months), despite a slightly higher frequency of tumors with an increased PCNA-expression in ever users of OCs (p = 0.125).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Abnormal Proliferation
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
Proliferative Phase
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...

