ISOLATION, PURIFICATION AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF SPB-40 FROM BOVINE MAMMARY GLAND

Abstract

Lactational function of mammary gland occurs in cycles, beginning with mammary gland development, lactogenesis and concluding with mammary gland involution. During the periods between successive lactations, the mammary gland undergoes several functional transitions, including active involution after cessation of milk removal, followed by redevelopment and colostrum formation prior to parturition. However the specific cellular and biochemical changes that occur in the mammary gland during the non-lactating period have not been fully defined (Rejman and Hurley, 1988). The early dry period is a time of rapid functional and structural changes in the mammary gland .In the initial stage of the dry period; the mammary gland undergoes a process of involution. Loss of mammary cells programmed cell death or apoptosis occurs in the mammary gland during involution. Despite this loss of cells, the animal seems to maintain partial integrity of the mammary tissue structure throughout most of the involution period. During this period of involution, the structure and function of the gland must revert back to the non-pregnant.