Summary
Ultrastructural examination of milk secretory cells from lactating bovine mammary gland revealed presence of numerous microtubules in the apical and paranuclear cytoplasm, particularly in the vicinity of Golgi components. Most microtubules were oriented perpendicular to the apical plasma membrane and appeared to form a framework around Golgi dictyosomal elements and secretory vesicles. In comparison, non-secretory cells obtained from involuting glands displayed few microtubules and these were randomly located throughout the cytoplasm with no particular orientation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Guerin MA, Loizzi RF (1978) Inhibition of mammary gland lactose secretion by colchicine and vincristine. Am J Physiol 234:C177-C180
Guerin MA, Loizzi RF (1980) Tubulin content and assembly states in guinea pig mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation, and weaning. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 165:50–54
Knudson CM, Stemberger BH, Patton S (1978) Effects of colchicine on ultrastructure of the lactating mammary cell: Membrane involvement and stress on the Golgi apparatus. Cell Tissue Res 195:169–181
Nickerson SC, Keenan TW (1979) Distribution and orientation of microtubules in milk secreting epithelial cells of rat mammary gland. Cell Tissue Res 202:303–312
Nickerson SC, Smith JJ, Keenan TW (1980 a) Role of microtubules in milk secretion — Action of colchicine on microtubules and exocytosis of secretory vesicles in rat mammary epithelial cells. Cell Tissue Res 207:361–376
Nickerson SC, Smith JJ, Keenan TW (1980 b) Ultrastructural and biochemical response on rat mammary epithelial cells to vinblastine sulfate. Eur J Cell Biol 23:115–121
Sandborn E, Koen PF, McNabb JD, Morre G (1964) Cytoplasmic microtubules in mammalian cells. J Ultrastruct Res 11:123–138
Seybold J, Bieger W, Kern HF (1975) Studies on intracellular transport of secretory proteins in the rat exocrine pancreas. II. Inhibition by anti-microtubular agents. Virch Arch A Pathol Anat 368:309–327
Venable JH, Coggeshall R (1965) Simplified lead citrate stain for use in electron microscopy. J Cell Biol 25:407–408
Warchol JB, Herbert DC, Rennels EG (1974) An improved fixation procedure for microtubules and micro filaments in cells of the anterior pituitary. Am J Anat 141:427–432
Watson ML (1958) Staining of tissue sections for electron microscopy with heavy metals. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 4:475–478
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nickerson, S.C., Akers, R.M. & Weinland, B.T. Cytoplasmic organization and quantitation of microtubules in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation and involution. Cell Tissue Res. 223, 421–430 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01258499
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01258499