Sinus-like dilatations of the mammary milk ducts, Ki67 expression, and CD3-positive T lymphocyte infiltration, in the mammary gland of wild European rabbits during pregnancy and lactation.
J Anat
; 233(2): 266-273, 2018 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29736914
ABSTRACT
Sinus-like dilatations of the mammary duct are recognisable in the mammary gland of pregnant and lactating wild European rabbits. These dilatations exhibit a bilaminar epithelial lining, with luminal epithelial cells expressing basal and lateral E-cadherin. Occasional binucleated mammary epithelial cells are present in the luminal layer. Underlying the luminal epithelial cells is a basal layer of cytokeratin 14-positive cells, supported by a thin layer of fibrous tissue. Multi-segmental epithelial proliferation, as indicated by Ki67 expression, is apparent in the luminal epithelial cells, suggesting a capacity for division during pregnancy and lactation. CD3-positive T lymphocytes are present both intraepithelially, suggesting exocytosis, and in foci subjacent to the ductular epithelium. We consider that sinus-like dilatations of the mammary duct may have the potential to give rise to a subset of the mammary gland neoplasms classified as ductal in origin. Milk accumulation in these sinus-like dilatations is likely to provide a niche for bacterial replication in cases of mastitis in rabbits. These structures are an important component of the innate immune system of the mammary gland, both as a physical barrier and as an interface between the milk and mammary immune cells.
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Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Coelhos
/
Lactação
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Prenhez
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Glândulas Mamárias Animais
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article