Abstract
ABSTRACT: Human milk contains cellular and soluble host-protective components. Macrophages in human milk constitute a major cellular component in contrast to those in the peripheral blood. We have investigated a mechanism of local expansion of macrophages in human milk. First, biologically active macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) was identified in human milk. The maximal concentrations of M-CSF in human milk were 10-to 100-fold higher than those in the serum. The concentrations of M-CSF in the milk had no correlation with those in the serum. M-CSF was immunohistochemically detected in the epithelial cells of the ducts and alveoli of the mammary gland. In situhybridization study confirmed the local synthesis of M-CSF in the mammary gland epithelial cells. A possible role of female sex steroids was discussed in the regulation of M-CSF production by mammary gland epithelial cells.
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Hara, T., Irie, K., Saito, S. et al. Identification of Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Human Milk and Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells. Pediatr Res 37, 437–443 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199504000-00009
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199504000-00009
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