[Quantitative and ultrastructural characteristics of immunocompetent cells in the mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation].

Abstract

The quantity and ultrastructure of immunocompetent cells (ICC) were evaluated in the of rat mammary gland in dynamics of pregnancy and lactation. ICC found between the alveolar epithelial cells were represented by monocytes, small and medium lymphocytes, including some granule-containing lymphocytes. The quantity of ICC was found to increase in dynamics of pregnancy and to reach a its maximum on day 3 of lactation. This was accompanied by the appearance of macrophages and plasma cells. Similar changes were found in stromal ICC. It is suggested that quantitative and structural dynamics of mammary ICC is associated with provision of immune reactivity of the newborn and its adaptive immunity.

Topics

Citations and references