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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Studying Adipose Endothelial Cell/Adipocyte Cross-Talk in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Published on: April 5, 2024

Brain-adipose tissue neural crosstalk.

Timothy J Bartness¹, C Kay Song

¹Department of Biology, Neurobiology and Behavior Program, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4010, USA. bartness@gsu.edu

Physiology & Behavior

|May 25, 2007

Summary

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls fat mobilization and influences fat cell growth in white adipose tissue (WAT). This research highlights the crucial role of SNS innervation in regulating body fat stores across mammals.

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Published on: January 24, 2025

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Metabolic research
Obesity research

Background:

Obesity research typically focuses on diet, environment, and genetics.
Seasonal obesity in Siberian hamsters offers a unique model for studying fat regulation.
The role of the nervous system in adipose tissue function is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) innervation in white adipose tissue (WAT).
To explore the mechanisms of lipid mobilization and adipocyte proliferation.
To examine the potential sensory innervation of WAT and its role in signaling body fat levels.

Main Methods:

Transneuronal viral tract tracing to determine central origins of WAT innervation.
Neurochemical analysis, including norepinephrine turnover studies.
Functional studies involving surgical and chemical denervation of WAT.

Main Results:

SNS innervation of WAT is confirmed as a principal initiator of lipid mobilization in mammals.
Evidence suggests SNS innervation plays a role in controlling fat cell proliferation.
Data largely refute significant parasympathetic innervation of WAT.
Sensory innervation of WAT is supported, potentially signaling adiposity to the brain.

Conclusions:

Sympathetic nervous system innervation of white adipose tissue is critical for lipid mobilization and influences adipocyte proliferation.
This neuro-centric view offers an alternative to models solely based on circulating factors for body fat regulation.
Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of SNS control over adipocyte proliferation.