Abstract
In this study we used custom‐designed rabbit polyclonal antisera to examine the expression and cellular localization of aquaporins along the secretory pathway of actively lactating bovine mammary glands by immunohistochemistry. Mammary tissues examined included secretory ducts and acini, gland cisterns, teats, connective and adipose tissues. AQP1 was found in capillary endothelia throughout the lactational mammary gland in addition to myoepithelial cells underlying teat duct epithelia. Expression of AQP2 and AQP6 was not detected and AQP9 was only found in leukocytes. AQP3 and AQP7 were found in smooth muscle bundles in the teat, secretory epithelial cells and duct epithelial cells. AQP4 was observed in selected epithelial cells in the teat, cistern and secretory acini. AQP5 expression was confined to acini and glandular structures. These immunohistochemical findings support a functional role for aquaporins in the transport of water and small solutes across endothelial and epithelial barriers in the mammary gland and in the production and secretion of milk.
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