An appraisal of the utility of primary cell culture from sheep udders to
investigate the control of mammary function
T.T. Wheeler, M.R. Callaghan, S.R. Davis, R.J. Wilkins
AgResearch and Dairying Research Corporation, Ruakura Agricultural
Centre, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1993,
53: 151-154
Clumps of mammary secretory epithelial cells were isolated from a
lactating sheep udder and their mammary function in vitro was evaluated.
Initially, the cells synthesized and secreted significant amounts of casein, þ-
lactoglobulin and at least 56 other minor proteins. However, the synthesis of
these and almost all other cellular proteins had decreased dramatically by 24
h in culture. This was accompanied by a decrease (23% of initial levels) in
RNA recovered from the cells and a decrease (4% of initial levels) in the
relative abundance of a- lactalbumin RNA. Secretion of what appears to be a
casein species was increased in the presence of a mixture of foetal calf serum,
prolactin, insulin, and hydrocortisone up to 24 h in culture. These agents also
stimulated cellular growth and proliferation over 8 days. However, no
hormonal effect was observed on milk protein synthesis or gene expression.
Thus, this mammary cell culture system has only a limited use as an in vitro
model of mammary function.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Mammary; lactation; protein-synthesis; secretion.
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Last Updated 25-01-1997
