Cellular localization of aquaporins along the secretory pathway of the lactating bovine mammary gland: an immunohistochemical study.
In this study we examined the cellular localization of aquaporins (AQPs) along the secretory pathway of actively lactating bovine mammary glands using immunohistochemistry. Mammary tissues examined included secretory ducts and acini, gland cisterns, teats, stromal and adipose tissues. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) was localized in capillary endothelia throughout the mammary gland in addition to myoepithelial cells underlying teat duct epithelia. AQP2 and AQP6 were not detected and AQP9 was found only in leukocytes. AQP3 and AQP4 were observed in selected epithelial cells in the teat, cistern and secretory tubuloalveoli. AQP5 immunopositivity was prominent in the cistern. AQP3 and AQP7 were found in smooth muscle bundles in the teat, secretory epithelial cells and duct epithelial cells. These immunohistochemical findings support a functional role for aquaporins in the transport of water and small solutes across endothelial and epithelial barriers in the mammary gland and in the production and secretion of milk.
Division of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom. ali.mobasheri@nottingham.ac.uk
Ali
A
Mobasheri
Bryony Heather
BH
Kendall
Judith Elizabeth Joan
JE
Maxwell
Ami Veronica
AV
Sawran
Alexander James
AJ
German
David
D
Marples
Martin Richard
MR
Luck
Melissa Dawn
MD
Royal
D000818:Animals; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000032:analysis*; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007774:Lactation; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*
D020346:Aquaporins