Hi Karleen,

> The description you gave of what happens to breast structures when women
> wean is facinating. Can you tell me where I can read more about this?

References for the recent research on apoptosis and involution done on mouse
models (mice seem to be used the most for this research, especially in
breast cancer research) are:

Lund LR, et al. 1996. Two distinct phases of apoptosis in mammary gland
involution: proteinase-independent and dependent pathways. DEVELOPMENT. 122.
p181-189.
Strange, L et al. 1992. Apoptotic cell death and tissue remodeling during
mouse mammary gland involution. DEVELOPMENT. 115: P49-58.

These first two are also summarised in: LAWRENCE & LAWRENCE 1999 pp: 90
(very similar to the the summary I gave in my initial posts)

Also see:
Walker, NL et al. 1989. Cell death by apoptosis during involution of the
lactating breast in mice and rats. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ANATOMY. 185: 19-32.

Quarrie, LH et al.1994. Local regulation of mammary apoptosis in the
lactating goat. BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS. 22. 178S.


I actually must point out that the tree analogy is not mine (although I'd
like it to be - it appeals to my more romantic non scientific side - and I
especially liked Pat's Evergreen contribution). The author of the analogy is
Mark Cregan because (as he says) "its how I like to think of it".
I do have some follow up on Barbara's question regarding continued glandular
growth during established lactation, and I'll quote from research done in
cows:

"Milk production has been reported to recover after non-milking of one or
more glands for up to 12 days.....Compensatory production has also been
considered in relation to mastitis.....Of particular interest are studies
demonstrating cellular proliferation within the udder during compensatory
growth and suggesting that this may lead to increased turnover, ie renewal
of secretory cells."
McFadden, TB. 1997. Prospects for Improving Lactational Persistency, IN:
MILK COMPOSITION, PRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY. Eds. Welch, Burns, Davis,
Popay & Prosser. CAB international. pp319-339.


Regards
Cathy Fetherston CM MSc IBCLC
Perth Western Australia

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