Origin, fate, and properties of multinucleated giant cells and their association with milk-synthesizing tissues of the bovine mammary gland.
Histological study of multinucleated giant cells (MGC) in bovine mammary glands demonstrated that the cells predominated during mammary involution. Concentrations of MGC increased from the early to later stages of involution, and were more prevalent in older cows. There was no association between infection status and prevalence of MGC. A study of the relationship between MGC and other components of the mammary parenchyma indicated that these cells formed in response to substances that accumulated in mammary secretions during involution. MGC appeared to play a role in resorption of insoluble milk constituents, and removal of amyloid and effete macrophages.
D000682:Amyloid / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008892:Milk / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy
D000682:Amyloid