Abstract

During the period of lactation, there is extensive growth and development of the mammary gland in order to fulfil the increased demands of milk for the growing infant. Angiogenesis plays a key role in alveolar development and facilitates optimal milk production. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key growth factors regulating angiogenesis in mammary gland. Apart from VEGF, neurotrophins are also known to regulate angiogenesis through direct or indirect mechanisms. Few studies have demonstrated mRNA levels of neurotrophins and their receptors in mammary gland both in humans and rodents. A cross talk between VEGF and neurotrophins has been described in placental development. The enteric and central nervous system are not fully developed at birth, making it imperative to have appropriate levels of angiogenic factors and neurotrophins during postnatal period. The current review summarises studies which describe the role of neurotrophins and angiogenic factors in the mammary gland development.

摘要

在哺乳期，乳腺广泛生长发育，以满足成长中婴儿对乳汁的需求。血管生成在肺泡发育中起关键作用并促进最佳产奶量。血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）是调节乳腺血管生成的关键生长因子之一。除了 VEGF，还已知神经营养因子通过直接或间接机制调节血管生成。很少有研究证明人类和啮齿动物乳腺中神经营养因子及其受体的 mRNA 水平。已经在胎盘发育中描述了 VEGF 和神经营养因子之间的串扰。肠道和中枢神经系统在出生时尚未完全发育，因此在产后期间必须具有适当水平的血管生成因子和神经营养因子。本综述总结了描述神经营养因子和血管生成因子在乳腺发育中的作用的研究。