Electrical Neurostimulation Promotes Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis

Area of Science:

• Metabolic physiology
• Adrenergic signaling
• Thermogenesis

Background:

• Brown adipose tissue (BAT) generates heat by metabolizing energy stores.
• Current BAT activators, beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonists, lack tissue selectivity.
• Electrical neurostimulation presents a novel, targeted approach to activate BAT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electrical neurostimulation as a method for activating BAT.
• To promote sympathetic nervous system outflow to BAT.

Main Methods:

• Mice underwent unilateral electrical neurostimulation of interscapular BAT or received a β3-AR agonist (CL316,243).
• Measurements included BAT thermogenesis, nutrient uptake, and adrenergic receptor signaling.
• Sympathetic activity was assessed via tyrosine hydroxylase content in nerve terminals.

Main Results:

• Both electrical neurostimulation and β3-AR agonism increased BAT temperature and sympathetic activity.
• Increased hormone-sensitive lipase phosphorylation and reduced BAT lipids were observed.
• Electrical neurostimulation's effect on BAT temperature was blocked by β3-AR antagonism.

Conclusions:

• Electrical neurostimulation acutely enhances BAT thermogenesis, dependent on β3-AR signaling.
• This method shows promise for developing new strategies against cardiometabolic diseases.