Heat stress affects mammary metabolism by influencing the plasma flow to the glands

Background Environmental heat stress(HS)can have detrimental effects on milk production by compromising the mammary function.Mammary plasma flow(MPF)plays a crucial role in nutrient supply and uptake in the mam-mary gland.In this experiment,we investigated the physiological and metabolic changes in high-yielding cows exposed to different degrees of HS:no HS with thermal-humidity index(THI)below 68(No-HS),mild HS(Mild-HS,68≤THI≤79),and moderate HS(Mod-HS,79<THI≤88)in their natural environment.Our study focused on the changes in blood oxygen supply and mammary glucose uptake and utilization.Results Compared with No-HS,the MPF of dairy cows was greater(P<0.01)under Mild-HS,but was lower(P<0.01)in cows under Mod-HS.Oxygen supply and consumption exhibited similar changes to the MPF under different HS,with no difference in ratio of oxygen consumption to supply(P=0.46).The mammary arterio-vein differences in glucose concentration were lower(P<0.05)under Mild-and Mod-HS than under no HS.Glucose supply and flow were significantly increased(P<0.01)under Mild-HS but significantly decreased(P<0.01)under Mod-HS compared to No-HS.Glucose uptake(P<0.01)and clearance rates(P<0.01)were significantly reduced under Mod-HS compared to those under No-HS and Mild-HS.Under Mild-HS,there was a significant decrease(P<0.01)in the ratio of lac-tose yield to mammary glucose supply compared to that under No-HS and Mod-HS,with no difference(P=0.53)in the ratio of lactose yield to uptaken glucose among different HS situations.Conclusions Degrees of HS exert different influences on mammary metabolism,mainly by altering MPF in dairy cows.The output from this study may help us to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of different degrees of HS on milk production.

A cell transcriptomic profile p ovides insights into adipocytes of porcine mammary gland across development

Background Studying the composition and developmental mechanisms in mammary gland is crucial for healthy growth of newborns. The mammary gland is inherently heterogeneous, and its physiological function dependents on the gene expression of multiple cell types. Most studies focused on epithelial cells, disregarding the role of neighboring adipocytes.Results Here, we constructed the largest transcriptomic dataset of porcine mammary gland cells thus far. The dataset captured 126,829 high-quality nuclei from physiological mammary glands across five developmental stages(d 90 of gestation, G90;d 0 after lactation, L0;d 20 after lactation, L20;2 d post natural involution, PI2;7 d post natural involution, PI7). Seven cell types were identified, including epithelial cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts cells, immune cells, myoepithelial cells and precursor cells. Our data indicate that mammary glands at different developmental stages have distinct phenotypic and transcriptional signatures. During late gestation(G90), the differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes were inhibited. Meanwhile, partly epithelial cells were completely differentiated. Pseudo-time analysis showed that epithelial cells undergo three stages to achieve lactation, including cellular differentiation, hormone sensing, and metabolic activation. During lactation(L0 and L20), adipocytes area accounts for less than 0.5% of mammary glands. To maintain their own survival, the adipocyte exhibited a poorly differentiated state and a proliferative capacity. Epithelial cells initiate lactation upon hormonal stimulation. After fulfilling lactation mission, their undergo physiological death under high intensity lactation. Interestingly, the physiological dead cells seem to be actively cleared by immune cells via CCL21-ACKR4 pathway. This biological process may be an important mechanism for maintaining homeostasis of the mammary gland. During natural involution(PI2 and PI7), epithelial cell populations dedifferentiate into mesenchymal stem cells to maintain the lactation potential of mammary glands for the next lactation cycle.Conclusion The molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation, proliferation and redifferentiation of adipocytes and epithelial cells were revealed from late pregnancy to natural involution. This cell transcriptomic profile constitutes an essential reference for future studies in the development and remodeling of the mammary gland at different stages.

Detection of Progesterone Receptor as a Method of Diagnosing Mammary Cancer in Female Dogs

Introduction: Canine mammary gland tumor is the most common type of neoplasia in non-ovariectomized bitches. Approximately 50% of tumors are malignant. Neoplasms originating from the mammary gland represent the most common neoplastic disease in canines in Veterinary Medicine. Aim: Relate the expression of the receptor to progesterone (PR) with the tumor stage of canine mammary carcinoma. Material and Methods: Analytical-cross-sectional study, samples of paraffinized tumor tissue obtained from 30 canine patients with breast cancer were used. The expression of PR was performed by immunohistochemical labeling, using murine anti-PR (anti-PR Biocare brand). A descriptive analysis was carried out with the results using the SPSS program. Results: The predominant histological subtype of breast cancer was tubular carcinoma with 12 patients, followed by papillary cystic carcinoma with 6 patients, solid carcinoma 5, carcinosarcoma 4 and comedocarcinoma 3. There was a significant trend between breast cancer subtypes, histological grade G1. Among the histopathological findings, the degree of invasion is related to the presence of tumor cells in adjacent lymph nodes, which is why it is a prognostic indicator. The expression of PR in the tumor tissue samples it was 42.8% positive versus 57.14% negative, of which 75% correspond to G1, 8.3% to G2 and 16.6% to G3. With respect to the relationship of the expression of PR vs type of tumor, it was found that 50% correspond to tubular carcinoma, 33.3% to papillary cystic carcinoma, 8.3% to solid carcinoma and 8.3% to comedocarcinoma. Conclusion: The hormone receptor was negative in more than half of the patients and histological grade is significantly associated with tumor subtypes, this study emphasizes the need to introduce receptor testing into our routine clinical practice to offer the best treatment for breast cancer.

Hesperidin ameliorates H_(2)O_(2)-induced bovine mammary epithelial cell oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Background Hesperidin is a citrus flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, its protective effects on bovine mammary epithelial cells(b MECs) exposed to oxidative stress have not been elucidated.Results In this study, we investigated the effects of hesperidin on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative stress in b MECs and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that hesperidin attenuated H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell damage by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels, increasing catalase(CAT) activity, and improving cell proliferation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, hesperidin activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of its downstream genes NQO1 and HO-1, which are antioxidant enzymes involved in ROS scavenging and cellular redox balance. The protective effects of hesperidin were blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, indicating that they were Nrf2 dependent.Conclusions Our results suggest that hesperidin could protect b MECs from oxidative stress injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that hesperidin as a natural antioxidant has positive potential as a feed additive or plant drug to promote the health benefits of bovine mammary.

Primary Culture of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

[ Objective] To investigate the feasibility of the primary culture of bovine mammary epithelial cells in biochemical incubator. [ Method] In vitro, bovine mammary epithelial cells were isolated and cultured by the tissue explant method in order to investigate the optimal culture conditions. The morphology observation and identification of the cultured cells were performed by inverted microscope observation, Giemsa staining and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. [ Result] Observed with inverted microscope, most of the bovine mammary epithelial cells were polygonal and displayed typical slabstone-like appearance. As it can be seen from cell staining results, the cell body was big and the nucleus was stained dark blue and was round or oval in shape, with clearly visible nucleoli, generally 2 -4 nucleoli. The tissue-specific expression of cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 18 genes in mammary epithelial cells was identified by cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. [ Conclusion] Primary bovine mammary epithelial cells were successfully cultured in biochemical incubator.

Identification of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs During the Development of Chinese Murine Mammary Gland

MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are endogenous -22 nucleofide-long noncoding RNAs. In this study, to investigate miRNA expression profiles and their functions in mammary gland development, we have used microarray as well as qRT-PCR, to analyze the miRNA expression changes along the murine mammary cycle during pregnancy, particularly on transition from pregnancy to lactation. It shows that every developmental stage of the mammary gland has its own mjRNA expression pattern. Compared with virgin and involution, some miRNAs such as miR-138 and miR-431 are downregulated, whereas, some miRNAs such as miR-133 and miR-133a-133b are upregulated during pregnancy and lactation. These results indicate that miRNAs are functionally involved in mammary gland development.

Optimization of Parameters of Exogenous Gene Mediated by Liposome to Transfect Yak Mammary Epithelial Cells in Vitro

[Objective] The aim of this study was to optimize conditions of exogenous gene mediated by liposome to transfect yak mammary epithelial cells in Vitro.[Method] Yak mammary epithelial cells were isolated and cultivated in Vitro by the methods of collagenase digestion and tissue adhesion.The expression of cytokeratin in yak mammary epithelial cell was detected by immunocytochemistry technique.With green fluorescence protein as the report gene,yak mammary epithelial cells were transfected with exogenous gene m...

Expression of Human GCSF in Mammary Gland of Mice by Injection of Plasmid DNA

The vectors carrying the genes coding for the proteins of interest are of unpredictable efficiency in transgenic animals. The expression vector of mammary gland (pINGG) containing GCSF genomic DNA was injected into mouse mammary gland, and expression was detected in the milk of mice. The result showed that mammary gland injection method could provide a convenient transient system to confirm vector validity.

Hopx报告基因小鼠谱系示踪乳腺干细胞

背景:乳腺干细胞对于乳腺组织的发育和稳态维持十分重要。乳腺癌的发生与乳腺干细胞有着紧密联系。最新研究表明,Hopx作为形态发生和细胞分化的重要转录调节因子已被证实在神经、肠道、毛囊等多种成体干细胞中表达,然而其在乳腺中的作用至今尚未见报道。目的:探究Hopx是否可以作为乳腺干细胞的特异性标志物。方法:①选取8周龄雌性Hopx-LacZ转基因小鼠,利用β-半乳糖苷酶染色检测Hopx在乳腺组织中的本底表达情况。②选取4周龄、6周龄、8周龄及妊娠14.5 d的雌性野生型小鼠,分别进行乳腺全组织洋红染色及K14、K8免疫荧光染色。③选取8周龄与妊娠17.5 d的雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠,进行乳腺β-半乳糖苷酶染色。④选取4周龄雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠,通过腹腔注射他莫昔芬(隔天注射1次,注射3次)来激活Cre/loxp系统,注射后4周进行乳腺β-半乳糖苷酶染色;选取8周龄雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠,通过腹腔注射他莫昔芬(隔天注射1次,注射3次)来激活Cre/loxp系统,末次注射后4,10周进行乳腺β-半乳糖苷酶染色。⑤选取8周龄雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠,通过腹腔注射他莫昔芬(隔天注射1次,注射3次)来激活Cre/loxp系统,注射后2周使Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠怀孕,对第1次妊娠17.5 d、第3次妊娠17.5 d的小鼠乳腺组织进行β-半乳糖苷酶染色。结果与结论:①β-半乳糖苷酶染色结果显示,8周龄Hopx-LacZ转基因小鼠的乳腺导管内确实含有Hopx阳性细胞且位于基底上皮,数量较少。②乳腺全组织染色及免疫荧光染色结果显示,野生型小鼠的乳腺在青春期、成熟期及妊娠期等不同发育阶段具有各自相应时期依赖性的特征,并且经历了一系列复杂的上皮重塑过程。③β-半乳糖苷酶染色结果显示,与8周龄雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠相比,妊娠17.5 d的Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠乳腺导管内Hopx标记阳性细胞增多。④β-半乳糖苷酶染色结果显示,4,8周龄雌性Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ转基因小鼠他莫昔芬注射后的乳腺Hopx标记阳性细胞位于基底上皮,数量较少。⑤β-半乳糖苷酶染色结果显示,第1次妊娠17.5 d、第3次妊娠17.5 d的小鼠乳腺内的Hopx标记阳性细胞位于腺泡周围的基底上皮,数量较多,并且第3次妊娠17.5 d的Hopx标记阳性细胞数量更多。⑥结果表明,Hopx报告基因标记的细胞为休眠乳腺干细胞,负责妊娠期间乳腺的生长,对腺泡形成有贡献。

Amino acids and mammary gland development:nutritional implications for milk production and neonatal growth

Milk is synthesized by mammary epithelial cells of lactating mammals. The synthetic capacity of the mammary gland depends largely on the number and efficiency of functional mammary epithelial cells. Structural development of the mammary gland occurs during fetal growth, prepubertal and post-pubertal periods, pregnancy, and lactation under the control of various hormones （particularly estrogen, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, progesterone, placental lactogen, and prolactin） in a species- and stage-dependent manner. Milk is essential for the growth, development, and health of neonates. Amino acids （AA）, present in both free and peptide-bound forms, are the most abundant organic nutrients in the milk of farm animals. Uptake of AA from the arterial blood of the lactating dam is the ultimate source of proteins （primarily 13-casein and a-lactalbumin） and bioactive nitrogenous metabolites in milk. Results of recent studies indicate extensive catabolism of branched-chain AA （leucine, isoleucine and valine） and arginine to synthesize glutamate, glutamine, alanine, aspartate, asparagine, proline, and polyamines. The formation of polypeptides from AA is regulated not only by hormones （e.g., prolactin, insulin and glucocorticoids） and the rate of blood flow across the lactating mammary gland, but also by concentrations of AA, lipids, glucose, vitamins and minerals in the maternal plasma, as well as the activation of the mechanistic （mammalian） target rapamycin signaling by certain AA （e.g., arginine, branched-chain AA, and glutamine）. Knowledge of AA utilization （including metabolism） by mammary epithelial cells will enhance our fundamental understanding of lactation biology and has important implications for improving the efficiency of livestock production worldwide.

乳腺钼靶X线、核磁共振DWI联合DCE技术对乳腺占位性病变诊断敏感度和特异度的影响

目的 分析乳腺钼靶X线、核磁共振DWI联合DCE技术(联合动态增强扫描)对乳腺占位性病变诊断敏感度和特异度的影响。方法 对我院在2022年1月到2022年12月收治的100例乳腺占位性病变患者进行分析,所有患者均接受乳腺钼靶X线、联合动态增强扫描检查,分析三种检查方式的敏感度与特异度。结果 100例患者中恶性55例,Ⅴ级15例、Ⅳ级17例,Ⅲ级11例,Ⅰ级4例,良性55例,Ⅴ级2例、Ⅳ级5例,Ⅲ级11例,Ⅰ级17例。其中乳腺钼靶X线、联合动态增强扫描诊断出恶性44例,良性56例,敏感度95.56%,特异度98.18%,准确性97.00%。联合动态增强扫描诊断出恶性42例,良性58例,敏感度82.22%,特异度90.91%,准确性87.00%。乳腺钼靶X线诊断出恶性40例,良性60例,敏感度75.56%,特异度89.09%,准确性83.00%。结论 乳腺钼靶X线、联合动态增强扫描的诊断率更接近病理诊断。

Milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of heat-stressed lactating dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress(HS) on the feed intake, milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments according to a completely randomized design. Half of the cows were allocated to the HS group in August(summer season), and the other half were assigned to the HS-free group in November(autumn season). HS reduced(P<0.01) dry matter intake(DMI), milk yield, milk protein and milk urea nitrogen(MUN) of cows compared with HSfree control, but increased(P<0.01) milk somatic cell counts(SCC). We determined the HS-induced metabolic alterations and the relevant mechanisms in dairy cows using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analyses. Thirty-four metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HS in dairy cows. Ten of these metabolites, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, lactose, β-hydroxybutyrate, citric acid, α-ketoglutarate, urea, creatine, and orotic acid, had high sensitivity and specificity for HS diagnoses, and seven metabolites were also identified as potential biomarkers of HS in plasma, milk, and liver. These substances are involved in glycolysis, lactose, ketone, tricarboxylic acid(TCA), amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, indicating that HS mainly affects lactose, energy and nucleotide metabolism in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows. This study suggested that HS might affect milk production and composition by affecting the feed intake and substance metabolisms in the mammary gland tissue of lactating dairy cows.

Influence on Cellular Signal Transduction Pathway in Dairy Cow Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells by Galactopoietic Compound Isolated from Vaccariae segetalis

The galactopoietic mechanism of Vaccaria segetalis is still unknown. Understanding dibutyl phthalate （DBP） separated from Vaccaria segetalis on the expression of lactation signal transduction genes of mammary gland epithelial cells, including prlr, erα, akt1, socs2, pparγ and elf5, will be helpful to reveal the molecular mechanism. Western blot and qRT- PCR were used to study the change of prlr, erα, akt, socs2, pparγ, and elf5 expression at mRNA and protein level. Co- localization expression of prolactin receptor （PRLR） and estrogen receptor α （ERα） was observed by immunofluorescence; the expression changes of miRNAs （21, 125b, 143, and 195） and the secretion of β-casein and lactose were detected by qRT-PCR and RP-HPLC. The results showed that Vaccaria segetalis active compound had similar fuctions as estrogen and/or prolactin （PRL） in dairy cow mammary gland epithelial cells （DCMECs）, increased the expressions of prlr, erα, akt1, and elf5 genes, while repressed pparγ expressions. DBP promoted socs2 mRNA expression, but its protein expressions were repressed. Furthermore, both DBP and PRL could repress the expressions of miRNA-125b, miRNA-143 and miRNA- 195 in DCMECs. DBP could repress the expression of miRNA-21, while the influence of PRL on miRNA-21 was not certain. DBP could promote the lactation ability of DCMECs by regulating the ER and PRLR cellular signal transduction pathway.

miR-25 modulates triacylglycerol and lipid accumulation in goat mammary epithelial cells by repressing PGC-1beta

Background: The goat(Caprahircus) is one of the most important livestock animals. Goat milk fat is an important component in the nutritional quality of goat milk. Growing evidence points to the critical roles of microRNAs(miRNAs) in lipid metabolism.Results: Using a highly sensitive method of S-poly(T) plus for miRNAs detection, we analyze the expression patterns of 715 miRNAs in goat mammary gland tissues at different stages of lactation. We observed that miR-25 expression had an inverse relationship with milk production. Overexpression of miR-25 significantly repressed triacylglycerol synthesis and lipid droplet accumulation. To explore the regulatory mechanism of miR-25 in milk lipid metabolism,we analyzed its putative target genes with bioinformatics analysis followed by 3′-UTR assays. Peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 beta(PGC-1 beta), a key regulator of lipogenics was identified as a direct target of miR-25 with three specific sites within its 3′-UTR. In addition, miR-25 mimics in goat mammary epithelial cells reduced the expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism.Conclusions: Taken together, our results show miR-25 is potentially involved in lipid metabolism and we reveal the function of the miR-25/PGC-1 beta regulatory axis during lactation.

Metabolic Regulation of Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells of Dairy Cow by Galactopoietic Compound Isolated from Vaccariae segetalis

In previous experiment, we isolated a compound dibutyl phthalate （DBP） from Vaccaria segetalis which had galactopoietic function on mammary gland epithelial cells of dairy cow （DCMECs）. In this experiment, we ascertained the metabolic regulation function of DBP on DCMECs. Many genes related to lactation including Stat5, AMPK, b-casein, Glut1, SREBP-1, PEPCK, and ACC were detected by real-time PCR. Furthermore, Stat5 and AMPK were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence co-localization, respectively. The results showed that DBP stimulates the expression of Stat5 and p-Stat5, thus activates Stat5 cell signal transduction pathway and stimulates b-casein synthesis. DBP also raises the activities of Glut1 and AMPK to stimulate glucose uptake and glycometabolism and activates the expression of AMPK downstream target genes PEPCK and ACC and expression of SREBP-1 to stimulate milk fat synthesis. In addition, the activities of HK, G-6-PDH, ICDH, ATPase, and energy charges were stimulated by DBP to increase the energy metabolism level of DCMECs. The results showed DBP stimulates energy metabolism related to galactopoietic function in DCMECs.

加味逍遥散治疗乳腺癌术后情绪改变肝郁脾虚证临床观察

目的观察加味逍遥散对乳腺癌术后情绪改变肝郁脾虚证患者的临床疗效。方法将上犹县人民医院64例乳腺癌术后患者作为研究对象,各32例。对照组予心理干预,观察组加用加味逍遥散,两组均连续治疗8周。观察疗效、中医症状积分、免疫功能指标、炎症指标以及负性情绪、生活质量评分情况。结果观察组总有效率为78.12%(25/32),高于对照组的50.00%(16/32)(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,观察组炎症指标水平、负性情绪评分、中医症状积分更低,免疫功能指标、生存质量评分改善更显著(P<0.05)。两组均未出现明显不良反应(P>0.05)。结论加味逍遥散可以帮助乳腺癌术后患者提高免疫功能、缓解炎症、改善负性情绪、提高生活质量,且安全性好。

Phytochemical analysis and anticancer capacity of Shemamruthaa,a herbal formulation against DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in rats

Objective:To investigate the bioactive-constituents of Shemamruthaa(SM),a herbal combination and its therapeutic effects on the mitochondrial functions with reference to lipid peroxidation(LPO),antioxidant status,citric acid cycle enzymes and electron transport chain enzymes in mammary tissues of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)-anthracene(DMBA)induced mammary carcinoma in rat model.Methods:Adult Female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study and were divided into four groups.CroupⅠserved as control and CroupⅡrats were induced mammary carcinoma by administration of DMBA(25 mg/kg b.w.)orally.The normal and cancer-induced rats(GroupⅢ)were treated with SM(400 mg/kg b.w./day)orally by gastric incubation for 14days.CroupⅣrats served as SM-treated control animals.Results:Cancer-induced rats showed a considerably increased level of LPO with concomitant decreased levels of antioxidants,citric acid cycle enzymes,electron transport chain enzymes and cytochrome contents in the mammary tissue.Treatment with SM brought back the aforementioned biochemical parameters to near normal.Conclusions:From the results,it can be inferred that Shemamruthaa possesses significant anticancer effect through its role in attenuation of LPO,prevention of membrane damage and restoring membrane integrity.

Lactogenic hormones alter cellular and extracellular microRNA expression in bovine mammary epithelial cell culture

Background： Bovine milk contains not only a variety of nutritional ingredients but also microRNAs （miRNAs） that are thought to be secreted by the bovine mammary epithelial cells （BMECs）. The objective of this study was to elucidate the production of milk-related miRNAs in BMECs under the influence of lactogenic hormones. Results： According to a microarray result of milk exosomal miRNAs prior to cellular analyses, a total of 257 miRNAs were detected in a Holstein cow milk. Of these, 18 major miRNAs of interest in the milk were selected for an expression analysis in BMEC culture that was treated with or without dexamethasone, insulin, and prolactin （DIP） to induce a lactogenic differentiation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） results showed that the expressions of miR-21-Sp （P = 0.005）, miR-26a （P = 0.016）, and miR-320a （P = 0.011） were lower in the DIP-treated cells than in the untreated cells. In contrast, the expression of miR-339a （P-- 0.017） in the cell culture medium were lower in the DiP-treated culture than in the untreated culture. Intriguingly, the miR-148a expression in cell culture medium was elevated by DIP treatment of BMEC culture （P = 0.018）. The medium-to-cell expression ratios of miR- 103 （P = 0.025）, miR-148a （P 〈 0.001）, and miR-223 （P = 0.013） were elevated in the DIP-treated BMECs, suggesting that the lactogenic differentiation-induced secretion of these three miRNAs in BMECs. A bioinformatic analysis showed that the miRNAs down-regulated in the BMECs were associated with the suppression of genes related to transcriptional regulation, protein phosphorylation, and tube development. Conclusion： The results suggest that the miRNAs changed by lactogenic hormones are associated with milk protein synthesis, and mammary gland development and maturation. The elevated miR-148a level in DIP-treated BMECs may be associated with its increase in milk during the lactation period of cows.

Emerging evidence of the physiological role of hypoxia in mammary development and lactation

Hypoxia is a physiological or pathological condition of a deficiency of oxygen supply in the body as a whole or within a tissue. During hypoxia, tissues undergo a series of physiological responses to defend themselves against a low oxygen supply, including increased angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and glucose uptake. The effects of hypoxia are mainly mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 （HIF-1）, which is a heterodimeric transcription factor consisting of o and 13 subunits. HIF-1β is constantly expressed, whereas HIF-1α is degraded under normal oxygen conditions. Hypoxia stabilizes HIF-1α and the HIF complex, and HIF then translocates into the nucleus to initiate the expression of target genes. Hypoxia has been extensively studied for its role in promoting tumor progression, and emerging evidence also indicates that hypoxia may play important roles in physiological processes, including mammary development and lactation. The mammary gland exhibits an increasing metabolic rate from pregnancy to lactation to support mammary growth, lactogenesis, and lactation. This process requires increasing amounts of oxygen consumption and results in localized chronic hypoxia as confirmed by the binding of the hypoxia marker pimonidazole HCI in mouse mammary gland. We hypothesized that this hypoxic condition promotes mammary development and lactation, a hypothesis that is supported by the following several lines of evidence： i） Mice with an HIF-1α deletion selective for the mammary gland have impaired mammary differentiation and lipid secretion, resulting in lactation failure and striking changes in milk compositions; ii） We recently observed that hypoxia significantly induces HIF-1α- dependent glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression in mammary epithelial cells, which may be responsible for the dramatic increases in glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression in the mammary gland during the transition period from late pregnancy to early lactation; and iii） Hypoxia and HIF-1α increase the phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 5a （STAT5a）in mammary epithelial cells, whereas STATS phosphorylation plays important roles in the regulation of milk protein gene expression and mammary development. Based on these observations, hypoxia effects emerge as a new frontier for studying the regulation of mammary development and lactation.

Mammary gland growth and vascularity at parturition and during lactation in primiparous ewes fed differing levels of selenium and nutritional plane during gestation

Background： Objectives were to examine the effects of selenium （Se） supply and maternal nutritional plane during gestation on mammary gland growth, cellular proliferation, and vascularity at parturition and d 20 of lactation. Rambouillet primiparous ewes （n = 84） were allocated to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial. Factors were dietary Se （adequate Se [ASe, 11.5 μg/kg BW] or high Se [HSe, 77.0 μg/kg BVV]） and nutritional plane （60% IRES], 100% [CON], or 140% [EXC]）. At parturition, lambs were removed and 42 ewes （7/treatment） were necropsied. Remaining ewes were fed a common diet meeting requirements for lactation and mechanically milked twice daily until necropsy on d 20. At both necropsy periods, mammary glands were dissected and tissues harvested. Samples were analyzed for RNA, DNA, and protein content, cell proliferation, and vascularity. Where interactions were present （P 〈 0.05）, least squares means from the highest-order interaction are presented. Results： Final body weight of ewes was least （P 〈 0.002） in RES, intermediate for CON, and greatest for EXC, regardless of stage of the ewe at necropsy （parturition or d 20 of lactation）. In ewes necropsied at parturition, mammary glands were heavier （P = 0.02） in EXC compared to RES, with CON intermediate. Concentration of RNA （rag/g） was decreased （P= 0.01） in EXC compared to CON at parturition. There was a tendency （P= 0.07） for a Se by nutrition interaction in percentage of cells proliferating where ASe-EXC ewes had greater （P_〈 0.02） number of proliferating cells then all other treatments. Mammary vascular area tended （P = 0.08） to be affected by a Se by nutrition interaction where ASe-CON had less （P= 0.007） vascular area than HSe-CON ewes. In ewes necropsied at d 20 of lactation, the number of alveoli per area was decreased （P 〈- 0.05） in RES compared to CON and EXC-fed ewes. Conclusions： Results of this study indicate that proper maternal nutritional plane during gestation is important for mammary gland development, even out to d 20 of lactation.