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Interferon alpha/beta-induced abnormalities in adipocytes of suckling mice
A Sbarbati1, F Leclercq, F Osculati
1Institute of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Italy.
Abstract:
The modification induced by interferon (IFN) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) was studied by high spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histology, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In IFN-treated mice, at MRI, the interscapular BAT was slightly enlarged and showed non-homogeneous areas of lipid accumulation. The thickness of the subcutaneous white adipose tissue was reduced with respect to control mice. In the liver, MRI showed a lipid accumulation. In IFN-treated mice, by light microscopy, brown adipocytes showed a larger lipid deposit with respect to control mice. At TEM, in BAT, the mitochondria were reduced in number, smaller and the number of cristae was also significantly reduced with respect to the controls (9.1 +/- 1.5 vs 20.1 +/- 1.9, P < 0.01). The inclusions in the mitochondrial matrix were significantly less numerous in IFN-treated than in control animals (1.9 +/- 0.7 vs 0.9 +/- 0.7 for mitochondrial section, P < 0.01). Abnormalities of endoplasmic reticulum described in hepatocytes were not found in brown adipocytes of IFN-treated mice. The present work demonstrates that, in the BAT of suckling mice, IFN-treatment induces morphologic alterations and that brown adipocytes have MRI and TEM features resembling those found in the lipid laden BAT of aged animals.
Insights
Interferon (IFN) treatment alters brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice, causing lipid accumulation and mitochondrial changes. These alterations in young mice resemble aged BAT, impacting energy metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Cell biology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) is a crucial signaling molecule in the immune system.
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a vital role in thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
- The effects of IFN on BAT morphology and function are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and ultrastructural modifications induced by interferon (IFN) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) of suckling mice.
- To compare the features of IFN-induced changes in BAT with those observed in aged animals.
Main Methods:
- High spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess adipose tissue.
- Histology and light microscopy for cellular examination.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
Main Results:
- MRI revealed enlarged BAT with heterogeneous lipid accumulation and reduced subcutaneous white adipose tissue in IFN-treated mice.
- Histology showed increased lipid deposits in brown adipocytes.
- TEM demonstrated reduced mitochondrial number, smaller size, fewer cristae, and fewer matrix inclusions in BAT mitochondria of IFN-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Interferon (IFN) treatment induces significant morphological alterations in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of suckling mice.
- IFN-treated BAT exhibits features, including lipid accumulation and mitochondrial abnormalities, similar to those found in aged animals.
- These findings suggest a potential link between immune signaling and age-related metabolic changes in adipose tissue.