Histological analysis confirmed either active lactational or regressive tissue states. Cell growth and metabolic activity were evaluated using the CELLigence system and XTT assay, with optimal results achieved at a seeding density of 4,000 cells per well. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed epithelial identity (pan-CK, CK8/18), apical MUC1 expression, low Ki-67 levels and negative expression of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, S100), indicating a healthy, non-cancerous cell population with moderate proliferative activity. This study provides the first detailed protocol for establishing primary CMG epithelial cultures and validates their suitability as a reference model for future oncological studies. Overall, this platform supports translational research, including drug testing and biomarker discovery, contributes to personalized veterinary therapies and enhanced understanding of mammary gland pathology in both dogs and humans.
Nosálová et al. (Wed,) studied this question.