In vitro culture and evaluation of bovine mammary epithelial cells from Ukraine dairy cows

Background Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) have been widely-used over the years as models to understand the physiological function of mammary disease. Aims This study aimed to establish a culture system and elucidate the unique characteristics of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) from the milk of Ukraine Holstein dairy cows in order to develop a general in vitro model. Methods The milk from a three-year-old lactating dairy cow was used as a source of the epithelial cell, characteristics of BMECs were examined using real time cell assay (RTCA), immunocytochemistry (ICC), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot (WB). Results The results showed that BMECs can be recovered from milk, grown in culture, and exhibit the characteristic cobblestone morphology of epithelial cells. Conclusion The established BMECs retained MEC characteristics and secreted β-caseins even when grew on plastic substratum. Thus, the established cell line had normal morphology, growth characteristics, as well as secretory characteristics, and it could be considered as a model system and useful tool for understanding the biology of dairy cow mammary glands.