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Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells
Published on: May 22, 2013
Interactions between adipose tissue around lymph nodes and lymphoid cells in vitro
1Department of Biology, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
Journal of Lipid Research
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Lymphoid cells and nearby adipose tissue exhibit reciprocal interactions. Adipose tissue near lymph nodes suppresses lymphocyte proliferation, while lymphoid cells stimulate fat breakdown (lipolysis).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Adipose Tissue Biology
- Metabolic Interactions
Background:
- Lymphoid cells and adipose tissue are anatomically proximate around lymph nodes.
- The functional relationship between these tissues is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reciprocal functional interactions between lymphoid cells and adipose tissue, particularly that surrounding lymph nodes.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of lymphoid cells and adipose tissue explants from various anatomical sites in guinea pigs.
- Assessment of lymphocyte proliferation (stimulated by concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide) and lipolysis (measured by glycerol release).
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue explants near lymph nodes suppressed lymphocyte proliferation more than those further away.
- Insulin partially abolished this suppressive effect.
- Lymphoid cells increased lipolysis in adipose tissue, especially near lymph nodes and in the presence of mitogens.
- Adipose tissue's inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation correlated with lymphoid cell-stimulated lipolysis.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates reciprocal interactions between lymphoid cells and adipose tissue, particularly in the perlymphatic environment.
- Suggests lipolytic products mediate adipose tissue's effect on lymphoid cells.
- The mediators of lymphoid cells' effects on adipose tissue remain unknown.

