Repository logo
 

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.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Watson, Christine J 

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.

Description

Keywords

lactation, mammary gland, mastitis, milk duct, pregnancy, rabbit, sinus, tumour, Animals, Epithelial Cells, Female, Ki-67 Antigen, Lactation, Mammary Glands, Animal, Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Animal, Rabbits, T-Lymphocytes

Journal Title

J Anat

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0021-8782
1469-7580

Volume Title

233

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MR/J001023/1)