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Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Size of adipose cells in infancy
Insights
Infant adipose cell size increases significantly from fetal development through 18 months. Cell growth rates remain consistent regardless of intrauterine or extrauterine development, indicating robust adipogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue development is crucial for infant metabolic health.
- Understanding adipocyte growth patterns provides insights into early life physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the growth trajectory of adipose cells in infants from fetal life to 18 months.
- To compare adipose cell size based on anatomical location and gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic analysis of adipose tissue samples obtained from 59 infants (25 weeks gestation to 18 months).
- Measurement of mean adipose cell diameter across different age groups and anatomical sites (buttocks vs. abdominal wall).
Main Results:
- Mean adipose cell diameter increased from approximately 40 µm at 25 weeks gestation to 50-80 µm at term.
- Buttock adipose cells were larger than abdominal wall cells.
- By 3 months postpartum, mean cell diameter reached approximately 90 µm.
- Adipose cell growth rates were similar in preterm infants, whether developing in utero or ex utero.
Conclusions:
- Adipose cell size exhibits a consistent growth pattern throughout infancy, starting in fetal development.
- Adipose cell growth is site-specific, with larger cells found in the buttocks.
- The rate of adipocyte development is not significantly affected by the intrauterine or extrauterine environment post-preterm birth.
Abstract:
Seventy-three samples of adipose tissue from 59 infants, aged from 25 weeks' gestation to 18 months of age, were obtained at necropsy, or at operations, or by needle biopsy. Adipose cell size was measured by microscopy. During fetal life the mean cell diameter increases from about 40 mum at 25 weeks' gestation to 50-80 mum at term. Adipose cells from the buttocks are larger than those from abdominal wall. After birth, adipose cell size continues to increase so that by 3 months the mean cell diameter is about 90 mum. Observations made on infants that had been born preterm showed that the growth of adipose cells proceeds at the same rate whether development in intrauterine or extrauterine.
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