Xanthine oxidase, an indicator of secretory differentiation in mammary cells.
Elevated levels of xanthine oxidase were found in (1) lactating mouse mammary glands, compared with virgin and midpregnant glands; and (2) primary mouse mammary cells cultured on floating collagen gels, compared with non-secretory cells on attached gels. In primary culture, increase in xanthine oxidase activity above a basal level coincided with secretory activity as measured by casein production; intracellular levels of casein and xanthine oxidase showed a high degree of correspondence. It is suggested that xanthine oxidase levels can be used as an indicator of in vivo and in vitro secretory differentiation in mammary epithelial cells.
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D014969:Xanthine Oxidase / Q000032:analysis*
D014969:Xanthine Oxidase