MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLE MAMMARY GLANDS OF MICE IN ORGAN CULTURE

Abstract

SUMMARY: Whole mammary glands from virgin female BALB/cCrgl mice were cultivated in a synthetic medium alone or with various hormone supplements, with or without addition of 5% rat serum. Except for one experiment lasting 12 days, all cultures were carried out for 5–6 days. Regression of mammary glands occurred in synthetic medium alone and in synthetic medium supplemented with 5% serum only. When aldosterone, insulin, oestradiol and progesterone were added maintenance only was observed. When this combination was supplemented with prolactin and growth hormone, one or more of the following responses was found: more pronounced ductal dilatation than occurred in the absence of pituitary hormones, lateral bud formation, and irregular organization of duct endings. The addition of 5% serum to the latter medium resulted in alveolar development which was more apparent after 12 days than after 5–6 days. The alveolar cells were secretory but clear evidence for lobular organization was not obtained.