Influence of Colchicine on Lactating Mammary Gland of the Cow and Rat with Special Reference to the Exocytosis and to the Milk Fat Globule Secretion

Abstract

A study of the influence of colchicine on milk secretory cells was conducted in rats and cows, to ascertain the role of microtubules in the process of exocytosis and fat globule secretion. It was demonstrated with the aid of light microscopy, transmission electronmicroscopy and scanning electronmicroscopy that colchicin treatment apparently interferes with the fusion of secretory vesicles to the surface membrane of secretory cells and therefore intcrrupts exocytosis. The significance of these findings are discussed.