Fig. 1
Bcl-3−/− mice have reduced mammary branching but no lactation defect. a PCR analysis of bcl-3 allele genotypes. +/+ and −/− mice were used for these studies. Figures represent results from 3 mice per stage. b WT and bcl-3−/− mouse mammary glands were collected from 6-week-old virgin mice and from 12 and 18 days of pregnancy and day 7.5 of lactation. Sections of paraffin-embedded mammary glands were stained with H&E. c Representative whole mounts of WT and bcl-3−/− mammary glands at the indicated stages. d The percentage of alveolar epithelium was calculated from H&E-stained glands at d18P. e Magnification of ductal branching from WT and bcl-3−/− whole mounts at 6 weeks (diestrus). f Secondary and tertiary branch points were enumerated from diestrus virgin mouse gland whole mounts at 6 weeks. Bars are S.E.M. Statistical analysis; unpaired t test. g Pup masses were determined at various days of lactation and after weaning at day 21 after birth (blue arrow). Bars are mean mass of 32 WT and 18 bcl-3−/− pups from 3 dams per genotype. Bars are S.D. p values indicate significantly greater mass of bcl-3−/− pups compared to WT at the indicated days of lactation (unpaired t test). WT and bcl-3−/− pup masses on all other days were not significantly different