Nucleic Acids of the Mammary Glands of Rats.

Abstract

A study of the nucleic acid concentrations (DNA and PNA) in the developing and functioning mammary glands of rats is reported. DNA increases in the early part of pregnancy and increases only slightly in the lactating gland. PNA increases throughout pregnancy and continues to increase in the lactating gland reaching a maximum value at 21-22 days of lactation. Following enforced weaning the PNA content of the gland falls rapidly. These findings are discussed in regard to growth and function of the glands.