TGFbeta as a potential mediator of progesterone action in the mammary gland of pregnancy.
The molecular mechanisms controlling the onset of copious milk secretion are only now beginning to be elucidated. We have known for nearly four decades that progesterone suppresses milk secretion during pregnancy, and that the fall in progesterone near parturition is necessary for secretory activation. Similarly, we've known for 15 years that transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) also suppresses milk secretion. Yet no formal link between the two has ever been established. This work aims to review the evidence for and against a link between progesterone and TGFbeta, raise unanswered questions, and to propose further lines of research.
Monks
Jenifer
J
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, MS 8309, University of Colorado Health Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, P.O. Box 6511, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Jenifer.Monks@UCHSC.edu
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000378:metabolism*; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D011374:Progesterone