Isolation of functionally active acini from bovine mammary gland

Glucose transporter in bovine mammary epithelial cells is an asymmetric carrier that exhibits cooperativity and trans-stimulation

Glucose transport kinetics were quantified in isolated bovine mammary epithelial cells using 3-O-methyl-D-glucose. Isolated cells retained satisfactory viability and glucose uptake activity, which was inhibited by cytochalasin B, phloretin, HgCl2, and low temperature. Initial rates of entry were measured over a 15-s interval at 37 degrees C under zero-trans, equilibrium-exchange, high-cis, and high-trans concentrations of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose between 0 and 20 mM. The combined set of rate measurements from all experimental conditions was fit to the fixed-site carrier model by nonlinear regression to estimate parameters of transport. For the regression between predicted and observed initial rates, r2 was 0.97. Forward Vmax was estimated at 18.2 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1, and the Michaelis constant was 8.29 mM. The cooperativity parameter was 1.63, trans-stimulation was 2.13-fold, and asymmetry was 2.06-fold. On the basis of the kinetic parameters, variations in intracellular glucose concentrations are not responsible for the range of glucose uptakes by bovine mammary glands observed in vivo.

Casein secretion in mammary tissue: tonic regulation of basal secretion by protein kinase A

Despite its quantitative importance in the secretion of lactoproteins, little is known about the triggering and control mechanisms that initiate, regulate and terminate the operation of the basal pathway of lactoprotein secretion throughout the lactation cycle. This study investigated the possible modulation by cAMP-mediated mechanisms, of cellular transit of newly-synthesised caseins and their basal secretion in explants of mammary tissue from lactating rats and rabbits. Enhancement of the rate of secretion of newly-synthesised caseins occurs when mammary explants are challenged in vitro with agents that activate protein kinase A (PKA). Inhibition of PKA slows casein secretion. The PKA-sensitive step(s) in casein secretion is early in the exocytosis pathway but inhibition of PKA does not impair casein maturation. Ultrastructural, immunochemical and biochemical methods locate PKA on membranes of vesicles situated in the Golgi region. Exposure of tissue to a cell-permeant PKA inhibitor results in morphological modification of these vesicular structures. We conclude that PKA mediates tonic positive regulation of the basal secretory pathway for lactoproteins in the mammary epithelial cell.

Bovine mammary explant versus primary cell cultures: effect of bovine somatotropin and insulin-like growth factor-I on DNA content and protein synthesis

Cellular DNA, milk protein content, and protein secretion by bovine mammary explants were compared to cultures of confluent and growing primary bovine mammary secretory cells over 4 d. Explants were obtained at slaughter from eight Holstein cows (120 +/- 35 d lactation). Primary cells were grown to confluence, cryopreserved, thawed, and cultured through five passages. Explants and cells were cocultured with liver and adipose tissue in the presence of somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and somatotropin + insulin-like growth factor-I. Cellular DNA and milk proteins were assayed using fluorescent probes and flow cytometry. Media proteins were assayed by densitometer scanning of electrophoresis gel bands. DNA content of explant, confluent, and growing primary cells increased similarly through the 96 h incubation. DNA content in G0G1 phase was increased by: (a) insulin-like growth factor-I in explant cells; (b) somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-I, and their combination in confluent primary cells; and (c) the combination of somatotropin and insulin-like growth factor in growing primary cells. Approximately 65% of explant and confluent primary cells were in the G0G1 or differentiated phase compared to 47% for the growing primary cells. Whey protein content and secretion were similar among cell types. Explant cells contained and secreted more beta-casein than primary cells but secretion trends for beta-casein and k-casein were similar after 48 h for both cell types. Results suggest that primary cell cultures are comparable to explant cultures when used to study mechanisms of DNA and milk protein synthesis and secretion.

An investigation of the suitability of three support matrices for the culture of cells derived from the secretory alveoli of the bovine mammary gland

The suitability of three support matrices, (thick collagen gels, aluminium oxide and cellulose ester membranes, the latter two both thinly coated with collagen) for the production of primary cultures of bovine mammary epithelial cells was investigated. Single secretory alveoli were isolated from mammary tissue of animals in early lactation by enzymatic digestion and differential filtration. Cell growth was monitored by light and scanning electron microscopy. The cellulose ester membrane was found to give the best results, allowing growth of monolayers with a morphology closely resembling that of the natural epithelium of the gland. There were low levels of fibroblast contamination, and the membranes could be easily manipulated for further studies.

Low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins are secreted from mammary epithelial cells in association with lipid globules

Secretion of milk lipid globules is achieved through encapsulation of triacylglycerol-rich lipid droplets in a specialized region of apical plasma membrane of mammary epithelial cells. A class of low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins were associated tightly with the lipid globule membrane, and these proteins appeared to change from peripheral to integral membrane proteins during intracellular growth and transit of lipid globule precursors. Inclusion of GTP or GTP gamma S in incubation medium stimulated secretion of lipids from primary cultures of permeabilized rat mammary epithelial cells. Six polypeptides with molecular masses between 28 and 21 kDa were detected by ability to bind GTP gamma S following separation of lipid-globule-associated proteins by SDS-PAGE and transblotting onto nitrocellulose. That all of these polypeptides were distinct immunologically from the archetype ras was evident from lack of immunoreactivity with p21 ras G-protein monoclonal antibody in Western blots. This monoclonal antibody bound to a 23 kDa polypeptide of lipid droplets that was not detected with the GTP gamma S binding assay. A 25 kDa component of milk lipid globules was a potent substrate for ADP-ribosylation by botulinum toxin C3, but cholera toxin was much less effective, suggesting that this component may belong to the rac class of G-proteins. The 21 kDa component was related immunologically to ADP ribosylation factor.

Establishment and characterization of bovine mammary epithelial cell lines

One bovine mammary epithelial cell clone, designated PS-BME-Cl, and two bovine mammary epithelial cell lines, designated PS-BME-L6 and PS-BME-L7, were derived from mammary tissue of a pregnant (270 day) Holstein cow. The cells exhibit the distinctive morphologic characteristics of mammary epithelial cells and express the milk fat globule membrane protein, PAS-III. They form domes when cultured on plastic substrata and acinilike aggregates when cultured on a collagen matrix. These cells are capable of synthesizing and secreting alpha-lactalbumin and alpha-s1-casein when cultured on a collagen matrix in the presence of insulin, cortisol, and prolactin. The cells have a near-normal diploid number and do not grow in suspension culture. When transplanted to the cleared mammary fat pads of female athymic nude mice, the cells readily proliferate forming noninvasive palpable spherical cellular masses within 8 wk after inoculation. The cells may become a useful tool to study the regulation of ruminant mammary epithelial cell growth and differentiation.

In vitro culture of cryopreserved bovine mammary cells on collagen gels: synthesis and secretion of casein and lactoferrin

The preparation, cryopreservation, and culture on type I collagen gels of lactating bovine mammary cells with prolonged milk protein synthesis and secretion in vitro is described. Cryopreserved cells prepared as acinar fragments from either lactating or developing mammary glands attached to the collagen substratum within 24-48 hr after plating in serum and hormone supplemented medium. During continued culture in hormone-supplemented (insulin, cortisol, and prolactin) serum-free medium outgrowth of cells from the attached acinar fragments was observed beginning on day 2, with continued outgrowth to near confluence by day 6. Two morphologically distinct cell types were evident; initial outgrowth was by large polygonal cells that were subsequently overlain by spindle-shaped cells. Cells from both lactating and developing mammary glands sustained substantial milk protein secretion for at least 14 days in culture. Alpha S1-casein synthesis and secretion in cultures of lactating mammary cells was dependent on a critical minimum cell population density, below which alpha S1-casein was not secreted. In contrast, lactoferrin (LF) secretion into the medium increased linearly with the increase in cell population density. Cells cryopreserved up to 16 months secreted LF at levels comparable to fresh cultures of the same cells.

The actions of forskolin, cholera toxin and iloprost on casein secretion by lactating doe mammary glands

The secretagogue effects of prolactin (PRL) and of various agents acting on cAMP levels, forskolin, cholera toxin and iloprost (a stable analogue of prostaglandin I2) have been assessed in lactating doe mammary gland fragments in vitro. Forskolin (10 microM), cholera toxin (1 microgram/ml) and iloprost (10 mM) stimulated milk casein secretion. The effects of forskolin (10 microM) and cholera toxin (1 microgram/ml) were potentiated by PRL (10 micrograms/ml). Conversely, the action of iloprost (10 microM) was not amplified by PRL (10 micrograms/ml). Forskolin (10 microM) and cholera toxin (1 microgram/ml) stimulated the intracellular accumulation of cAMP. Neither PRL nor iloprost, at concentrations which stimulated casein secretion, modified the accumulation of cAMP. These results demonstrate that PRL does not act directly by any increase in intracellular cAMP levels. However, stimulating effects of forskolin and cholera toxin on casein secretion and intracellular cAMP levels suggest that various transduction signals are effective in the mammary cells.

Casein gene expression in bovine mammary gland

The objectives were to examine the rate of synthesis of casein mRNA transcripts in bovine mammary tissue at different hormonal states and to study the effects of hormonal stimuli (insulin, hydrocortisone, and prolactin) on the accumulation of casein mRNA and on the rate of protein secretion by epithelial cells from bovine mammary tissues. Total cytoplasmic RNA was extracted from mammary tissues of cows obtained by biopsy (8 mo pregnant) and upon slaughter (lactating). The relative specific activities of cytoplasmic mRNA for alpha s1-, alpha s2-, beta-, and kappa-casein were about 3.2, 4.6, 3.3, and 4.5-fold higher in tissues of lactating cows than in those of 8 mo pregnant cows. Mammary alveolar epithelial cells retained hormone-inducible milk protein gene expression for total milk protein gene expression for total milk protein secretion and for alpha s1- and beta-casein messages. Prolactin, even in the absence of insulin and hydrocortisone, induced significant amounts of milk protein mRNA. Hydrocortisone in the presence of prolactin amplified the lactogenic effects on mammary epithelium. Maximal induction of beta-casein mRNA and protein secretion occurred when all three hormones were present.

Calcium and calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of kappa-casein by a bovine mammary casein kinase

A calcium and calmodulin-dependent kappa-casein kinase activity has been described in the bovine mammary gland. This kinase required previously dephosphorylated kappa-casein for substrate, thus suggesting a physiological role for this enzyme. The kappa-casein kinase required magnesium and the presence of both calcium and calmodulin for full activity. Calmodulin concentrations of .32 microM achieved one-half maximal activation of this enzyme. The calcium and calmodulin-dependent kappa-casein kinase was found in preparations of mammary acini and could be localized in a membranous fraction by centrifugation. The particles containing this activity had a high density (1.309 g/cc) and cofractionated with caseins, suggesting this enzyme may be present in secretory granules.

A novel system for mammary epithelial cell culture

A method is described for the isolation and density gradient enrichment of mammary epithelial fragments from pregnant, nonlactating bovine tissue. Immunocytochemical analysis prior to and following culture revealed specific staining with antibodies to keratin, indicating that these cells are epithelial in nature. Fragments enriched for epithelium could be stored in liquid nitrogen for extended periods prior to culture. When cast within a three-dimensional matrix of collagen gel, the mammary fragments grew as branching, duct-like structures and displayed a 4-fold increase in cell number during 10 to 12 d of culture.

Synthesis of milk specific fatty acids and proteins by dispersed goat mammary-gland epithelial cells

The method now described for preparation of dispersed lactating goat mammary-gland cells gives a high yield of morphologically and functionally normal mammary cells. The cells synthesize specific goat milk fatty acids in the right proportions, and they respond to hormones by increased protein synthesis. The cells can be frozen and thawed without losing the above properties, which makes them an excellent tool for metabolic and hormonal studies.

Citrate accumulation by a Golgi apparatus-rich fraction from lactating bovine mammary gland

1. Golgi apparatus-rich fractions from lactating bovine mammary gland rapidly accumulated citrate from incubation medium. Characteristics of this process suggested that a citrate transport system may be present in Golgi apparatus membranes. 2. Endoplasmic reticulum fractions accumulated citrate at nearly the same rate as Golgi apparatus; secretory vesicle fractions displayed lower ability to accumulate citrate. Intact epithelial cells (acini) from lactating mammary gland did not accumulate citrate. 3. Citrate accumulation by Golgi apparatus was pH and temperature sensitive but was not altered by metabolic inhibitors. 4. These observations suggest a role for Golgi apparatus in packaging intracellular citrate for secretion into milk.

Calcium and calcium ionophore A23187 alter protein synthesis and secretion by acini from rat mammary gland

1. Acini (alveoli) from lactating rat mammary gland responded to increasing levels of calcium or calcium ionophore A23187 with increased protein synthesis and secretion. 2. Inclusion of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in incubation medium with calcium or calcium ionophore decreased protein synthesis but increased rate of protein secretion . 3. Calcium ionophore increased both rates of calcium uptake by acini and levels of intracellular calcium. 4. These results suggest a relationship between calcium and cyclic AMP in milk protein synthesis and secretion.

Culture of bovine mammary epithelial cells on collagen gels

A method for the isolation of lobules of acini from bovine mammary gland and their storage in liquid nitrogen is described. After further dissociation of freshly prepared or frozen lobules, clumps of cells are obtained which attach to collagen gels and give rise to colonies which, on morphological criteria, appear predominantly epithelial. Storage for up to 6 months did not adversely affect viability. Increase in colony area involved cell division, was more rapid in air than in 95% oxygen and was enhanced by fetal calf serum.

Metabolic energy and cytoskeletal requirements for synthesis and secretion by acini from rat mammary gland-I. Ultrastructural and biochemical aspects of synthesis and release of milk proteins

1. Incubation of acini (alveoli) from lactating rat mammary gland with metabolic and cytoskeletal inhibitors produced a variety of effects on cell function. Cell viability was maintained during incubation as determined by the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in media and by light and electron microscopic examination. Caseins and whey proteins were found to be secreted by acini. 2. Addition of iodoacetate, 2,4-dinitrophenol, cyanide, cycloheximide, vinblastine or cytochalasin B inhibited both synthesis and secretion of milk proteins. Colchicine had no effect on synthesis but specifically inhibited protein secretion. Characteristic ultrastructural changes were produced by each inhibitor. 3. Uptake of 2-amino-isobutyric acid was reduced after incubation with all inhibitors except iodoacetate and dinitrophenol. Uridine incorporation was inhibited by colchicine, vinblastine, cytochalasin B and, at high concentrations, 2,4-dinitrophenol; cyanide and cycloheximide stimulated uridine incorporation. 4. Based on these results, milk protein secretion appeared to depend on continued protein synthesis and both processes were energy coupled. Microtubules and microfilaments also appeared to be involved in milk protein secretion.

Glutathione utilization by lactating bovine mammary secretory tissue in vitro

gamma-Glutamyltransferase (D-glutamyl transpeptidase, EC 2.3.2.2) activity has been shown to be located predominantly on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane of lactating bovine mammary cells. Radioactive label from both oxidized ([14C]-gamma-glutamyl) and reduced ([35S]cysteinyl) glutathione was taken up and incorporated into acid-precipitable proteins of mammary tissue. Uptake was shown to involve the transport of free amino acids, and incorporation was shown to involve the action of gamma-=glutamyltransferase. These results indicate that lactating mammary tissue utilizes the constituent amino acids of glutathione for milk-protein synthesis.