Cachectin/TNF stimulation of ATP synthesis in 30A-5 preadipocytes

Cachectin/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) one of the cytokines secreted by reticuloendothelial cells and lymphocytes, evokes a multitude of biological effects in different cells. Although the effects of TNF on adipocytes generally appear rather slowly, we have found that TNF almost instantaneously stimulates respiration and respiration-coupled ATP synthesis in 30A-5 preadipocytes. This novel TNF effect might be one of the essential early steps in the cachectic mobilization of energy reserves associated with TNF action in vivo.