Immunohistochemical localization of lipoprotein lipase in human adipose tissue

The distribution of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was studied in needle biopsies of human adipose tissue. Antibodies against bovine milk LPL react with and inhibit the activity of the human enzyme. These antibodies were used for immunohistochemical studies of the distribution of LPL in human adipose tissue. Immunoreactive enzyme was observed in adipocytes and connective tissue cells resembling preadipocytes. It was also seen in perivascular cells, in capillaries and in larger vessels. Intravenous administration of heparin led to a substantial decrease of immunodetectable LPL in vessels, whereas the enzyme in adipocytes and connective tissue cells was unaffected.