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Possible role of prostaglandin F2α in mediating effect of prolactin on RNA synthesis in mammary gland explants of mice

Nature volume 253, pages 466–467 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

CYCLIC nucleotides seem to be intimately involved in the initiation of lactation and the consequent production of milk substances in the mammary gland1–5. The ratio of cyclic GMP to cyclic AMP increased several-fold in mammary glands taken from rats immediately after parturition and during lactation1,2. Further, dibutyryl cyclic AMP attenuated or abolished several hormone effects on enzyme activities and other metabolic events in explants from mid-pregnant rats3. It seems that the regulation of the metabolism of the mammary glands of mice may be specifically related to the mechanism whereby prolactin affects this tissue4,5: cyclic GMP mimicked the early action of prolactin on RNA synthesis in mammary gland explants, whereas dibutyryl cyclic AMP and agents which inhibit phosphodiesterase abolished this effect. These observations suggest that the early effect of prolactin on RNA synthesis is mediated by an elevated level of cyclic GMP and a reduced or maintained level of cyclic AMP.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, 48201

    JAMES A. RILLEMA

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  1. JAMES A. RILLEMA
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RILLEMA, J. Possible role of prostaglandin F2α in mediating effect of prolactin on RNA synthesis in mammary gland explants of mice. Nature 253, 466–467 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/253466a0

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