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The Nipple: A Simple Intersection of Mammary Gland and Integument, but Focal Point of Organ Function

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Abstract

Having glands that secrete milk to nourish neonatal offspring characterizes all mammals. We provide a brief overview of the development and anatomy of nipples and mammary glands in monotremes, marsupials, and marine mammals, and focus on the nipples and mammary glands in terrestrial eutherian species. We first classify eutherians into three groups: the altricial, precocial, and arboreal types based on their rearing system. We then summarize the physiology of lactation and the cell biology of nipples with specific focus on comparing these in the mouse, cow, and human, which represent the three different groups. Finally we propose that the nipple is an example of specialized epidermis. As specialized epidermis, it is dependent the underlying stroma for development and maintenance in adult life. The development of the nipple and signaling pathways that regulate its formation are described.

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Abbreviations

BMP:

Bone morphogenic protein

BMPR1A:

BMP receptor 1A

E:

Embryonic day

K:

Keratin

LGR7:

Leucine rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor

MSX2:

Msh homeobox 2

PTH:

Parathyroid hormone

PTHrP:

Parathyroid hormone-related protein

PTH1R:

Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein receptor

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Jordan Hall, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Sachiko Koyama, Hsin-Jung Wu, Teresa Easwaran & John Foley

  2. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Sachiko Koyama

  3. Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Sunil Thopady & John Foley

  4. Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Sunil Thopady

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  1. Sachiko Koyama
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  2. Hsin-Jung Wu
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  5. John Foley
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Correspondence to John Foley.

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Koyama, S., Wu, HJ., Easwaran, T. et al. The Nipple: A Simple Intersection of Mammary Gland and Integument, but Focal Point of Organ Function. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 18, 121–131 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-013-9289-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-013-9289-1

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