Morpho-structural aspects of the vascular system of the rabbit mammary gland during the puberal period, pregnancy and lactation
Pelagalli, G.V.; de Girolamo, G.; Montemagno, U.; De Placido, G.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 52(4): 224-227
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 986143 Document Number: 102741
A study was made of morpho-structural changes in the vascular system of the various parts of the rabbit's mammary gland (parenchyma, milk ducts, teat and stroma) during puberty, pregnancy (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 29 days), lactation (2nd and 10th day) and the dry period. It was found that the vessels were small in number and size at puberty but increased markedly (with ramifications) during pregnancy, with development of the parenchyma and teat vessels. During pregnancy and lactation arteriovenous anastomoses were frequently found and the teat contained many thin-walled vessels with a large lumen. There was marked involution during the dry period, when the vascular system lost some of the main characteristics acquired during pregnancy.