Method for evaluating milk production in mouse mammary gland

Lactation is a characteristic physiological function of mammals and is important for nourishing infants and the dairy industry; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the function remain to be elucidated. A technique to directly evaluate the quantity and quality of milk in mice is necessary for the study of the lactation mechanism in vivo. By measuring the changes in milk amount after different durations of milk accumulation (0–24 h) using a ductal cannulation technique and oxytocin supplementation, we estimated the milk production rate at a single mammary gland level. In addition, collected milk was available to assess milk quality, including creamatocrit, osmolarity, and concentrations of ions, lactose, and total protein. Moreover, as a proof of principle, the effects of intraductal administration of a hypertonic solution to the abdominal mammary gland were examined. This stimulation increased milk amount, possibly by osmosis, compared with the contralateral control gland. These results demonstrated that this method is useful for examining the lactation ability and mechanisms in vivo. Studies using this method will contribute to the further understanding of lactation mechanisms in mammals.