HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Delouis, C. Articles by Terqui, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Delouis, C. Articles by Terqui, M.

Relation Between Hormones and Mammary Gland Function

I.N.R.A, Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Lactation, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Structural differentiation of the mammary gland is directed by hormonal balances in adult mammals. Major steps of this differentiation include, sequentially, formation of a lobuloalveolar structure, appearance of specific secretory activity, hypertrophy of epithelial cells of mammary gland characterized by an intense synthesis and secretion of milk, and finally at the time of weaning, cessation of synthetic activity followed by disappearance of lobuloalveolar structure. Subsequent lactation requires development of new lobuloaveolar structures.

Objective of this review is to delineate major endocrine requirements for functional differentiation of mammary gland and to describe tentatively, at the molecular level, mechanisms of action of these hormones.

Hormonal Control of Mammary Gland Growth, Lactogenesis, and Hypertrophy

Studies on hormonal control of mammary gland differentiation have been extensive. Some 50 yr ago, Strieker and Grueter (121) demonstrated the lactogenic potency of rat pituitary extracts. As purified hormones became available, many groups of physiologists and endocrinologists worked on animals deprived of endocrine glands, but recipient of specific hormonal therapies.

¹ Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction, Nouzilly, 37380 Monnaie, France.