Metabolic Turnover Studies to Quantify Energy Uptake by Thermogenic Adipose Tissues of Mice

The uptake of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides into brown adipose tissue is an important determinant of systemic energy metabolism, which can be studied by metabolic turnover studies using radioactive tracers in vivo. Here, we address the uptake of glucose and lipid tracers into metabolically active organs with a focus on thermogenically activated adipose tissues. Uptake by beige and brown adipocytes is highly dependent on conditions such as ambient temperature, but also varies between fasted compared to postprandial states. Accordingly, we provide methodological insights how to quantify glucose and lipid disposal under multiple physiological and environmental conditions.