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Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
Published on: July 21, 2017
Mechanisms underlying regional differences in lipolysis in human adipose tissue
H Wahrenberg1, F Lönnqvist, P Arner
1Department of Medicine, Huddinge Hospital, Sweden.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Regional differences in fat cell lipolysis are linked to adrenoceptor variations. Abdominal fat cells show higher catecholamine sensitivity, especially in women, due to increased beta-adrenoceptor density and altered alpha 2-adrenergic receptor affinity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Adipose Tissue Biology
Background:
- Catecholamines stimulate lipolysis, the breakdown of fat.
- Subcutaneous adipose tissue exhibits regional differences in fat metabolism.
- Adrenoceptors play a key role in regulating lipolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional differences in catecholamine-induced lipolysis in human subcutaneous adipocytes.
- To compare lipolytic responses between abdominal and gluteal fat cells in nonobese females and males.
- To elucidate the adrenoceptor mechanisms underlying these regional variations.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of subcutaneous adipocytes from abdominal and gluteal regions of females and males.
- Stimulation of lipolysis using noradrenaline, and agents acting at postreceptor levels.
- Assessment of beta-adrenergic and alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sensitivity and density.
- Measurement of adenosine receptor sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Lipolysis was significantly higher in abdominal adipocytes compared to gluteal adipocytes, particularly in females.
- Beta-adrenergic lipolytic sensitivity was markedly greater in abdominal adipocytes.
- Abdominal adipocytes exhibited increased beta-adrenoceptor density and altered alpha 2-adrenergic receptor affinity in females.
Conclusions:
- Regional differences in catecholamine-induced lipolysis are primarily regulated by adrenoceptor density and affinity.
- Increased beta-adrenoceptor density in abdominal fat contributes to enhanced lipolysis.
- Sex-specific variations in alpha 2-adrenergic receptor affinity may explain pronounced regional differences in lipolysis in women.
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