Subcellular localization and some properties of monoacylglycerol lipase in rat adipocytes

1. The subcellular localization of monoacylglycerol lipase in rat adipocytes was studied. The enzyme activities were mainly found in the plasma membrane and in the cytosol fraction. 2. The properties of the monoacylglycerol lipase activities, from both subcellular sites, were almost identical, except for slight differences in thermostability. 3. It is conceivable that there may be two kinds of monoacylglycerol lipases in adipose tissue for the hydrolysis of the monoacylglycerols formed by the action of two kinds of triacylglycerol lipases, lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase.