Microdialysis of adipose tissue and blood for in vivo lipolysis studies

Glycerol levels (lipolysis index) were continuously monitored in intact rats using simultaneous microdialysis of venous blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Dialysis probes (0.5 X 4 mm) were implanted and perfused using a microinjection pump. The basal glycerol levels in perfusates of blood and adipose tissue were stable. Intravenous isoproterenol (isoprenaline) increased the glycerol levels in a similar fashion in blood perfusate as compared with plasma and the dialysate of two different adipose tissue probes implanted in the same animal. Isoproterenol included in the adipose tissue dialysis solvent increased the glycerol level in adipose tissue perfusate but not in the blood perfusate; this indicates a local lipolytic effect of catecholamines. Increases in intravenous doses of isoproterenol caused a transient and marked dose-dependent elevation of glycerol in the adipose tissue perfusate and a gradual but less marked rise of glycerol in blood perfusate. This indicates that glycerol kinetics in blood and adipose tissue differ after catecholamine stimulation. In conclusion, microdialysis of blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue offers new and unique possibilities for in vivo lipolysis studies in intact animals.