Cyclic nucleotides and lipolysis

The recent literature regarding the mechanisms of regulation of lipolysis with emphasis on the role of cyclic nucleotides is reviewed. The following conclusions appear warranted at present. (1) Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a major regulator of lipolysis. However, mechanisms other than the production and catabolism of cAMP also exist. (2) Insulin can lower adipocyte cyclic AMP levels, but this effect cannot explain all aspects of the antilipolytic effect of insulin. (3) Insulin stimulates cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase and inhibits adenylate cyclase in adipocytes. In addition, there are probably other targets of insulin action. The possibilities include cAMP dependent protein kinase, phosphoprotein phosphatase, and triacylglycerol lipase. (4) Cyclic GMP is probably not directly involved in the regulation of lipolysis. (5) Cytosolic Ca2+ probably plays an important role in the regulation of lipolysis. The nature of such a role for Ca2+ and the potential role of calmodulin in the regulation of lipolysis remain to be explored.