Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance
Published on: February 17, 2023
Resistin, but not adiponectin, inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus
Luigi Brunetti1, Giustino Orlando, Lucia Recinella
1Department of Drug Sciences, G. D'Annunzio University, via dei Vestini, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
Adiponectin (Adipocyte Complement-Related Protein of 30 kDa, ACRP30) and resistin are adipocyte-derived polypeptide hormones playing a role in metabolic homeostasis. Their plasma levels are inversely (adiponectin) or directly (resistin) correlated to obesity and they have opposite effects on insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue hormones such as leptin have been shown to modulate neurotransmitters which control feeding in the hypothalamus. We have studied the effects of adiponectin and resistin on dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin release from hypothalamic neuronal endings (synaptosomes) in vitro. We have found that adiponectin does not modify either basal or depolarization-induced amine release, while resistin inhibits the stimulated release of dopamine and norepinephrine, leaving unaffected serotonin release. We can conclude that, similarly to leptin, but differently from adiponectin, the adipose tissue hormone resistin could affect the central mechanisms of feeding by inhibiting catecholamine release in the hypothalamus.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Food Intake
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...
