The Experimental Development of the Mammary Gland

Abstract

It has long been realized that there is a very close relation between the development of the mammary glands and the cycle of reproduction. During pregnancy in primapara animals the glands gradually develop from a very rudimentary state into a completely developed gland capable of milk secretion. Attempts to produce experimentally the growth of the gland characteristic of pregnancy were initiated by Lane-Claypon and Starling in 1906. Little success was attained, however, for many years. With the development of quantitative tests for the hormones of the ovary (estrus producing and corpus luteum) and their gradual isolation and purification, reseaixh concerned with the experimental development of the mammary gland has been greatly stimulated. Two lines of evidence are required to furnish the most exacting proof of the physiological mechanisms involved. It is necessary to demonstrate in the blood (or other body fluids) during pregnancy the presence of the hormones believed to be efffective.