Effect of Insulin and Adrenaline on the ⁵⁹Fe Transferrin Uptake of Lactating Mouse Mammary Gland Cells

Summary

The results of insulin action (0.4 IU per mouse) are demonstrated in intact animals only. This action leads to a higher uptake of ⁵⁹Fe. rabbit transferrin of isolated cells from lactating mouse mammary gland. It is suggested that most inactive transferrin receptors in the cell membrane are incorporated by the hormone action or some new receptors are synthesized.

On the contrary, adrenaline in a dose 0.5 μg per animal demonstrated an opposite effect - a lower uptake of ⁵⁹Fe. human transferrin from lactating mouse mammary gland. This is probably due to a redistribution of some part (about 28%) of the iron. Instead of flowing to the mammary gland it flows towards other organs for overcoming the stress situation. An alternative explanation could be the inhibition of endogenous insulin secretion by adrenaline.

From our data it follows that insulin and adrenaline have an antagonistic effect on regulation of Fe transport in lactating mouse mammary gland.

Key words

Mammary Gland - Insulin - Adrenaline - ⁵⁹Fe. Transferrin Uptake