Fig. 3

Metformin decreases the number of adipose-associated mammary macrophages. Quantification and representative images of CD68⁺ macrophages in normal mammary adipose tissue from metformin-treated and control rats experiencing high weight (Wt) gain in the post-OVX period. Rate of weight gain during the first 4 weeks after OVX was measured and those above the median were classified as high weight gainers and those below the median as low weight gainers. Mammary adipose was stained for CD68 as a macrophage marker. a Metformin did not affect the number of ductal, alveolar, stromal, or blood vessel-associated CD68⁺ cells, but b metformin decreased the number of CD68⁺ cells associated with adipocytes and crown-like structures (CLS) in rats rapidly gaining weight following OVX. c Representative images from control and metformin-treated adipose tissue are shown. Scale bars = 20 μm