alpha-Lactalbumin-casein induction in virgin mouse mammary explants: dose-dependent differential action of cortisol.
The interplay of insulin, cortisol, and prolactin induces synthesis of casein and alpha-lactalbumin in cultured mammary explants from mature virgin mice. A striking difference has been found between the optimal concentrations of cortisol required for maximal induction of the two milk proteins in vitro: 3 x 10(-8) molar for alpha-lactalbumin and 3 x 10(-6) molar for casein. Moreover, 10(-7) to 10(-5) molar cortisol caused progressive inhibition of alpha-lactalbumin accumulation. Such differential actions of cortisol may partly account for the asynchronous synthesis of the two proteins during pregnancy.
D000818:Animals; D002364:Caseins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000494:pharmacology; D007768:Lactalbumin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000494:pharmacology
D002364:Caseins; D007328:Insulin; D011388:Prolactin; D007768:Lactalbumin; D006854:Hydrocortisone