A BOVINE MAMMARY ENDOTHELIAL CELL CULTURE MODEL OF THE BLOOD/MILK BARRIER

Authors: Guidry, Albert; Obrien, Celia

Submitted to: Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The complex nature of the mammary gland has hampered in-depth studies of the relationship of the circulatory system to cells lining the teat ducts and alveoli of the gland. Dual chamber culture dishes with a porous membrane separating the upper and lower chamber were used. Endothelial and epithelial cells were culture on opposite sides of the porous membrane. Collagen and fibroblast separating the two cell layers simulated the in vivo interstitial tissue. Changes in surface binding of antibodies to PMN following migration of the PMN from the upper to the lower chamber simulated the passage of PMN from blood to milk. Changes in the binding of antibodies to PMN agreed with results observed following the migration of PMN from blood to milk in vivo. This gives credence to the feasibility of using the model for numerous studies where more direct observation of the blood/milk barrier is required. This model will allow for a better understanding of 1) antibiotic diffusion from milk to blood and from blood to milk, 2) cytotoxicity of prophylactic and therapeutic mammary infusion products, 3) factors affecting bacterial adhesion and penetration of mammary epithelial tissue, 4) effectiveness of antibodies present in lacteal secretions in preventing bacterial adhesion, and 5)the feasibility gene constructs to induce synthesis and secretion of mastitis preventing compounds and prophylactic and therapeutic compounds for human consumption.

Technical Abstract: The complex nature of the mammary gland has hampered in-depth studies of the relationship of the circulatory system to cells lining the teat ducts and alveoli of the gland. Dual chamber culture dishes with a porous membrane separating the upper and lower chamber were used. Endothelial and epithelial cells were cultured on opposite sides of the porous membrane. Collagen and fibroblast separating the two cell layers simulated the in vivo interstitial tissue. Changes in surface binding of antibodies to white blood cells (WBC)following migration of WBC from the upper to the lower chamber simulated the passage of white blood cells from blood to milk. Changes in the binding of antibodies to WBC agreed with results observed following the migration of WBC from blood to milk in vivo. This gives credence to the feasibility of using the model for studies where more direct observation of the blood/milk barrier is required. Tests using this model will allow for a better understanding of 1) antibiotic diffusion from milk to blood and from blood to milk, 2) cytotoxicity of prophylactic and therapeutic mammary infusion products, 3) factors affecting bacterial adhesion and penetration of mammary epithelial tissue, 4) effectiveness of antibodies present in lacteal secretions in preventing bacterial adhesion, and 5)the feasibility of using gene constructs to induce synthesis and secretion of mastitis preventing compounds and prophylactic and therapeutic compounds for human consumption.