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Fat cell size in various body region. A statistical analysis in Equus caballus
1Institute of Veterinary Systematic and Comparative Anatomy, Turin, Italy.
Anatomischer Anzeiger
|January 1, 1989
Summary
In horses, abdominal fat cells are largest, while orbital fat cells are smallest. Fat cell size varies greatly by body region and individual, potentially influencing lipid mobilization.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Adipose Tissue Biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue distribution and adipocyte size vary across mammalian species.
- Understanding regional differences in equine adipocyte morphology is crucial for metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To statistically evaluate adipocyte size variations across 16 body regions in horses.
- To investigate the correlation between adipocyte size, body region, and individual differences.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of adipocyte diameter and number in 16 body regions from 13 horses.
- Measurements performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections and dissociated whole cells.
Main Results:
- Subserous abdominal fat cells were consistently the largest; orbital and supraorbital fat cells were the smallest.
- High variability in adipocyte size was observed within each region and between individuals.
- The range of adipocyte size variation between different body sites within an individual correlated with mean cell size.
Conclusions:
- Equine adipose tissue exhibits significant regional heterogeneity in cell size.
- Greater variability in adipocyte size may be linked to enhanced lipid mobilization, warranting further investigation.
