Prolactin stimulation of alpha-lactalbumin in normal primate mammary gland

An in vitro system has been developed to examine the effects of PRL on the normal primate mammary gland. alpha-Lactalbumin a milk protein, was found in breast tissue samples from 17 of 19 primates representing several Macaca and Papio species; concentrations ranged from 10-768 ng/mg protein. That none of the animals was pregnant or lactating and half were nulliparous indicates that milk protein production takes place under normal circumstances, even in breast tissue of nonlactating animals. Studies of the effect of PRL on alpha-lactalbumin production in these tissues in organ culture revealed that PRL maintained existing or stimulated new production of alpha-lactalbumin for periods of up to 9 days. Measurement of alpha-lactalbumin in medium bathing mammary tissue from three animals revealed that mean alpha-lactalbumin production during days 7-9 when PRL was added (100 and 1000 ng/ml) was 11 and 59 times greater, respectively, than control. Simultaneous measurement of tissue concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin revealed that those tissues maintained with PRL (1000 ng/ml) had a mean concentration of alpha-lactalbumin that was 61 times that of controls without PRL. PRL consistently maintained or increased alpha-lactalbumin production in tissues from all 22 primates tested. Even in those premenarchal animals in whose mammary tissue alpha-lactalbumin was undetectable initially, PRL stimulated alpha-lactalbumin production in a dose-related fashion. In contrast, when PRL was absent from medium, alpha-lactalbumin concentrations decreased at 9 days to less than 20% of the initial 3-day value in all cases. These studies provide evidence that mammary tissue from normal nonlactating, nonpregnant primates produces milk proteins and that when tissues are exposed to PRL in culture, production of alpha-lactalbumin is stimulated.

Comparative feeding and nutrition in captive, non-human primates

1. Food intake studies were carried out on three groups of captive primates (anthropoid apes (Pongidae), lemurs (Lemuridae) and marmosets (Callitrichidae). 2. Determination and analysis of the nutrient intakes were carried out by calculations based on food tables. The results from all groups were compared. 3. Marmosets were found to have higher intakes of energy and many other nutrients than the apes and lemurs. 4. The results suggest that there is a tendency towards over use of dietary supplements and foods of higher nutrient density for captive primates.

A comparative histochemical study of the mucins of the nasal fossa in four primates

A histochemical study of the mucins of the nasal fossa was carried out in 4 primates, Tupaia, Nycticebtis, Macaca, and Hylobates. Acid mucins were found in the respiratory epithelium of all 4 animals, while the olfactory epithelium of Nycticebus and Macaca contained some PAS positive granules. No mucins were present in the olfactory epithelium of Tupaia and Hylobates. Subepithelial glands of the olfactory area contained acid mucins, in all the animals investigated, while neutral mucin secreting glands were present in the respiratory area of Tupaia, Nycticebus and Hylobates.

Comparative biochemistry of the primates. I. Amino acid patterns in the blood and urine

Aminoacids are known to be present in the blood and urine of primates. Comparative studies of these compounds have been carried out to determine whether any similarities or differences exists. It appears that the differences are of taxonomic significance especially when considered in conjunction with the presence of other small molecules.

Comparative biochemistry of the primates. II. The indole compounds of primate blood and urine

The indoles present in urine and blood of a wide range of primates have been investigated. The differences found appear to be of taxonomic significance.