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Histological changes in mouse nipple tissue during the reproductive cycle
Y Toyoshima1, S Ohsako, R Nagano
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|May 21, 1998
Summary
Mouse nipple histology changes during reproduction. Cell proliferation in the epidermis and lactiferous sinus peaks during early pregnancy, while fibrous elements increase during lactation, suggesting distinct regulatory factors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Histology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- The mouse nipple undergoes significant changes during the reproductive cycle.
- Understanding these histological alterations is crucial for reproductive research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate histological changes in the mouse nipple during the reproductive cycle.
- To quantify cell proliferation and analyze subepithelial fibrous elements.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to identify S-phase cells.
- Histological analysis of subepithelial fibrous elements (collagen and elastic fibers).
Main Results:
- Nipple size increased significantly from days 15-18 of pregnancy.
- Epidermal and dermal cell densities were high in early pregnancy and low during lactation.
- Cell proliferation in the epidermis and lactiferous sinus epithelium peaked around days 10-15 of pregnancy.
- Collagen and elastic fibers increased during lactation.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial cell proliferation in the nipple is stimulated early in pregnancy.
- The nipple dermis exhibits two growth phases: proliferation during pregnancy and extracellular matrix increase during lactation.
- These distinct phenomena suggest differential regulatory mechanisms during the reproductive cycle.