[Cell differentiation of cultured mammary epithelium]

The functional differentiation of mammary epithelial cells requires specific hormones, growth factors and chemical signals of the cellular environment. These signals consist in cell communication with the extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions which through an intrincated mechanism lead to the events that trigger milk secretion. The mammary epithelial cells HC11 from the cellular line COMMA-1D were cultured in the presence of lactogenic hormones such as insulin, dexametazone and prolactin and further stimulated with the epidermal growth factor. In these conditions the cell differentiated, presenting quantitative changes in shape and volume on their organelle cell structure. These cells synthesize beta casein and the intermediary filaments of keratin demonstrated by immunoblotting as well as electronic micrographics.