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Prolactin, the Golgi Apparatus, and Milk Secretion: Brief Interpretive Review¹

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana 47907
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg 24061
and Lipids Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of the structural-functional effects of prolactin on the differentiated epithelial cell of the mammary gland is becoming coherent. In the absence of this hormone, synthesis and secretion of milk is nil. In its presence the Golgi apparatus of the cell becomes hypertrophied. This action involves extensive proliferation of Golgi structure and abundant milk (protein and lactose) synthesis therein. With respect to the cells of a given alveolus, milk synthesis and secretion appears to be an all-or-none process; i.e., either all cells fully functioning or all cells inactive. That functional cells within an alveolus are synchronized with regard to formation and secretion of fat globules also suggests communication between these cells.

¹ Purdue University AES Journal Paper no. 4014 and Paper no. 3746 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.