Fat cell size and lipid content of subcutaneous tissue in congenital generalized lipodystrophy

Fat cell size and lipid composition of subcutaneous tissue from 3 patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy have been measured before and after treatment with either pimozide, fenfluramine or hypophysectomy. The fat cell volume before treatment ranged between 9.8 x 10(4) and 17.7 x 10(4) micron 3, compared to 9.0 x 10(4) and 85.3 x 10(4) micron 3 in 15 controls. The amount of lipids was only 1/10 to 1/50 of normal, triglycerides being the most heavily reduced lipid component. Neither the fat cell size nor the lipid content were affected by treatment with hypophysectomy, pimozide or fenfluramine.