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Summary
Researchers found glucocorticoid receptors in fat cells using protective agents during homogenization. These receptors in adipose tissue are similar to those in other target organs, suggesting they mediate hormone effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adipose tissue is a known target for glucocorticoid hormones.
- Previous studies have been unable to detect glucocorticoid receptors in adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of glucocorticoid receptors in adipose tissue.
- To confirm if these receptors are located within fat cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized [3H]dexamethasone binding assays at 0°C in rat adipose tissue cytosol.
- Employed Sephadex chromatography for separation of bound and free hormone.
- Isolated adipocytes via collagenase digestion to localize receptors within fat cells.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated glucocorticoid receptors in adipose tissue cytosol with protective agents (thioglycerol, trasylol).
- Epididymal fat cytosol showed a Kdiss of ~6 nM and binding capacity of ~200 fmol/mg protein for dexamethasone.
- Receptors were confirmed in isolated fat cells and found in various fat depots, including brown and human subcutaneous fat.
- Steroid affinity sequence indicated specific binding to glucocorticoid receptors.
Conclusions:
- Adipose cells contain functional glucocorticoid receptors.
- These receptors are comparable to those in other known glucocorticoid target tissues.
- The identified receptors likely mediate the physiological effects of glucocorticoids on adipose tissue.