Mammary Cells 'remember' Earlier Pregnancy (IMAGE)

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Mammary Cells 'remember' Earlier Pregnancy

Caption

These images show the effect of pregnancy hormones after 6 and 12 days on breast tissue in mice that have never been pregnant (top row) and mice that have been pregnant once before (bottom row). The mammary gland in previously pregnant mice responds earlier and produces more branching ductal structures, used in lactation. New research shows breast tissue retains a cellular memory of prior pregnancy that makes response more rapid and vigorous in subsequent pregnancies.

Credit

Hannon lab, CSHL

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