The rat mammary gland: morphologic changes as an indicator of systemic hormonal perturbations induced by xenobiotics.
The development and morphology of the rat mammary gland are dependent upon several hormones including estrogens, androgens, progesterone, growth hormone and prolactin. In toxicology studies, treatment with xenobiotics may alter these hormones resulting in changes in the morphology of reproductive tissues such as the mammary gland. In the rat, male and female mammary glands exhibit striking morphologic differences that can be altered secondary to hormonal perturbations. Recognizing these morphologic changes can help the pathologist predict potential xenobiotic-induced perturbations in the systemic hormonal milieu. This review examines the development of the rat mammary gland and the influence of sex hormones on the morphology of the adult male and female rat mammary gland. Specific case examples from the literature and data from our laboratory highlight the dynamic nature of the rat mammary gland in response to hormonal changes.
Lucas
Julia N
JN
Purdue University Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Rudmann
Daniel G
DG
Credille
Kelly M
KM
Irizarry
Armando R
AR
Peter
Augustine
A
Snyder
Paul W
PW
D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D006728:Hormones; D015262:Xenobiotics; D011374:Progesterone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone