Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor during different critical windows in pregnancy alters mammary epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.
Exposure to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) during pregnancy causes severe defects in mammary gland development and function; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Alterations in epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during pregnancy-related mammary development can lead to failed lactogenesis. To determine which of these processes are affected and at what time periods, we examined proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in mammary glands following exposure to TCDD during early, mid or throughout pregnancy. Although AhR activation throughout pregnancy did not cause early involution, there was a 50% decrease in cell proliferation, which was observed as early as the sixth day of pregnancy (DP). TCDD treatment on the day of impregnation only reduced development and proliferation in early and mid-pregnancy, followed by partial recovery by DP17. However, when AhR activation was delayed to DP7, developmental impairment was not observed in mid-pregnancy, but became evident by DP17, whereas proliferation was reduced at all times. Thus, early exposure to TCDD was neither necessary nor sufficient to cause persistent defects in lactogenesis. These varying outcomes in mammary development due to exposure at different times in pregnancy suggest there are critical windows during which AhR activation impairs mammary epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.
Lew
Betina J
BJ
Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
Collins
Loretta L
LL
O'Reilly
Michael A
MA
Lawrence
B Paige
BP
D000818:Animals; D000963:Antimetabolites; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D018336:Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / Q000819:agonists*; D013723:Teratogens / Q000494:pharmacology
D000963:Antimetabolites; D008894:Milk Proteins; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D018336:Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; D013723:Teratogens; D053148:Caspase 3; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine