Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2011
The modifications that occur to breast tissue as a consequence of different physiological states of the female are considered with particular respect to oestrogen. Various tissue responses can be noted and the implications of modulation in cell proliferation, as a consequence of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, oophorectomy and oral contraceptive use, are considered. Assessment of oestrogen receptor by immuno-cytochemistry confirms the involvement of the steroid as a cell stimulant. Evidence from a variety of sources indicates the role in normal breast epithelium is more permissive than deterministic.