RARgamma and TRbeta expressions are decreased in PBMC and SWAT of obese subjects in weight gain.

In order to evaluate the expression of nuclear receptors at the peripheral level in obese subjects, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of different isoforms of retinoic acid receptor (RAR), triiodothyronine (TR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) were determined and compared in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SWAT). Twelve lean subjects and 68 obese subjects divided into weight gain (WG), weight-stable (WS), and weight loss (WL) groups were studied. Nuclear receptor mRNA levels were assessed in PBMC and SWAT using a quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method. mRNA levels of RARgamma were significantly lower in PBMC of obese subjects (WG -19%, WS -30%, and WL -24.7%) as in SWAT of WG (-50%). Lower mRNA levels of TRbeta were observed in PBMC and SWAT of WG (-50.7% and -28%, respectively) just as for TRalpha in PBMC of WG (-19%). In contrast, retinoid X receptors alpha (RXRalpha) and RARalpha mRNA levels were higher in PBMC of obese subjects (+53% and +54.5% in WG, +56% and +67% in WS, and +68% and +49.7% in WL, respectively), while expression of RXRalpha was lower in SWAT of WG (-24.5%). As for PPARgamma, its mRNA level was significantly higher in PBMC of WG subjects (+34%) while its expression was not modified in SWAT, contrary to the PPARgamma2 isoform which was significantly higher. These data show that in both adipose tissue and blood compartment of obese subjects, expressions of RARgamma and TRbeta were downregulated. Thus, we suggest that the expression in PBMC of obese subjects may constitute new cellular indicators of nuclear receptor retinoid and thyroid status.

RARã and TRBeta expressions are decreased in PBMC and SWAT of obese subjects in weight gain

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In order to evaluate the expression of nuclear receptors at the peripheral level in obese subjects,messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of different isoforms of retinoic acid receptor (RAR), triiodothyronine(TR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) were determined and compared in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SWAT). Twelve lean subjects and 68 obese subjects divided into weight gain (WG), weight-stable (WS), and weight loss (WL) groups were studied. Nuclear receptor mRNA levels were assessed in PBMC and SWAT using a quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain (..) (AU)

Possible mechanisms of weight loss of Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) exposed to short photoperiod

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Several weeks of short day photoperiod (SD) exposure promote a dramatic decrease of white adipose tissue (WAT) mass in Siberian hamsters(Phodopus sungorus sungorus). This slimming effect is accompanied by changes in the adipocyte responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation that are still under debate. We investigated whether possible changes in the antilipolytic responses, and/or lipogenic activities could be involved in such lipid deposition/mobilisation imbalance. Male Siberian hamsters were exposed for 11 weeks to SD or long day photoperiod and basal or stimulated lipolytic and lipogenic activities were measured on white adipocytes. As expected, the body mass of SD-animals was decreased. Besides a slight reduction in the basal lipolysis and in the maximal response to dibutyryl-cAMP, the responses to adrenergic and non-adrenergic lipolytic agents (forskolin, adenosine deaminase) were similar in both groups. Fat mass loss was likely not resulting from changes in the lipolytic responses of adipocytes to biogenic amines (e.g. octopamine), which were unaltered, or to a direct lipolytic stimulation by melatonin or histamine, which were inactive. Antilipolytic responses to insulin or tyramine were slightly decreased in SD-adipocytes. Basal or insulin-stimulated lipid accumulation in WAT, measured by glucose incorporation into lipids, did not change after SD-exposure. However, a significant decrease in the lipoprotein lipase activity was observed in the WAT of SDanimals. Despite the observed changes, the weight loss of SD-exposed Siberian hamsters was likely not resulting only from impaired antilipolytic orde novo lipogenic activities in white adipocytes, but either from other dramatic changes occurring during seasonal photoperiod-sensitive body weight regulation (AU)

High lipolytic activity and dyslipidemia in a spontaneous hypertensive/NIH corpulent (SHR/N-cp) rat: a genetic model of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In order to better understand the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, lipolysis and its adrenergic regulation was investigated in various adipose depots of obese adult females SHR/N-cp rats. Serum insulin, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG) and glycerol were measured. Adipocytes were isolated from subcutaneous (SC), parametrial (PM) and retroperitoneal (RP) fat pads. Total cell number and size, basal lipolysis or stimulated by norepinephrine (NE) and BRL 37344 were measured in each depot. Obese rats were hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, suggesting high insulin resistance. They presented a marked dyslipidemia, attested by increased serum FFA and TG levels. High serum glycerol levels also suggest a strong lipolytic rate. Obese rats showed an excessive development of all fat pads although a more pronounced effect was observed in the SC one. The cellularity of this depot was increased 8 fold when compared to lean rats, but these fat cells were only 1.5 to 2-fold larger. SC adipocytes showed a marked increase in their basal lipolytic activity but a lack of change in responsiveness to NE or BRL 37344. The association between high basal lipolysis and increased cellularity yields to a marked adipose cell lipolytic rate, especially from the SC region. SHR/N-cp rats were characterized by a hyperplasic type of obesity with an excessive development of the SC depot. The dyslipidemia, attested by an altered serum lipid profile could be attributed to excessive lipolysis that contributes to increased FFA levels, and to early development of insulin resistance through a lipotoxicity effect.

Alta actividad lipolítica y dislipidemia en la rata SHR/N-cp: módulo genético de obesidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / High lipolytic activity and dyslipidemia in a Spontaneous Hypertensive/NIH Corpulent (SHR/N-cp) rat: a genetic model of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

In order to better understand the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, lipolysisand its adrenergic regulation was investigated in various adipose depots of obeseadult females SHR/N-cp rats. Serum insulin, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides(TG) and glycerol were measured. Adipocytes were isolated from subcutaneous(SC), parametrial (PM) and retroperitoneal (RP) fat pads. Total cell numberand size, basal lipolysis or stimulated by norepinephrine (NE) and BRL 37344 weremeasured in each depot. Obese rats were hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic, suggestinghigh insulin resistance. They presented a marked dyslipidemia, attested byincreased serum FFA and TG levels. High serum glycerol levels also suggest a stronglipolytic rate. Obese rats showed an excessive development of all fat pads although amore pronounced effect was observed in the SC one. The cellularity of this depot wasincreased 8 fold when compared to lean rats, but these fat cells were only 1.5 to2-fold larger. SC adipocytes showed a marked increase in their basal lipolytic activitybut a lack of change in responsiveness to NE or BRL 37344. The associationbetween high basal lipolysis and increased cellularity yields to a marked adipose celllipolytic rate, especially from the SC region. SHR/N-cp rats were characterized bya hyperplasic type of obesity with an excessive development of the SC depot. Thedyslipidemia, attested by an altered serum lipid profile could be attributed to excessivelipolysis that contributes to increased FFA levels, and to early development ofinsulin resistance through a lipotoxicity effect(AU)

Possible mechanisms of weight loss of Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) exposed to short photoperiod.

Several weeks of short day photoperiod (SD) exposure promote a dramatic decrease of white adipose tissue (WAT) mass in Siberian hamsters(Phodopus sungorus sungorus). This slimming effect is accompanied by changes in the adipocyte responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation that are still under debate. We investigated whether possible changes in the antilipolytic responses, and/or lipogenic activities could be involved in such lipid deposition/mobilisation imbalance. Male Siberian hamsters were exposed for 11 weeks to SD or long day photoperiod and basal or stimulated lipolytic and lipogenic activities were measured on white adipocytes. As expected, the body mass of SD-animals was decreased. Besides a slight reduction in the basal lipolysis and in the maximal response to dibutyryl-cAMP, the responses to adrenergic and non-adrenergic lipolytic agents (forskolin, adenosine deaminase) were similar in both groups. Fat mass loss was likely not resulting from changes in the lipolytic responses of adipocytes to biogenic amines (e.g. octopamine), which were unaltered, or to a direct lipolytic stimulation by melatonin or histamine, which were inactive. Antilipolytic responses to insulin or tyramine were slightly decreased in SD-adipocytes. Basal or insulin-stimulated lipid accumulation in WAT, measured by glucose incorporation into lipids, did not change after SD-exposure. However, a significant decrease in the lipoprotein lipase activity was observed in the WAT of SDanimals. Despite the observed changes, the weight loss of SD-exposed Siberian hamsters was likely not resulting only from impaired antilipolytic orde novo lipogenic activities in white adipocytes, but either from other dramatic changes occurring during seasonal photoperiod-sensitive body weight regulation.

Regulation of lypolysis in white adipose tissues of lean and obese Zucker rats

Obese Zucker rat is often used as a model of genetic obesity to understand themechanism of the development of obesity. In the present work, in order to betterunderstand the regulation of lipolysis in the Zucker rat, the lipolytic activities ofadipocytes isolated from different adipose depots of lean and obese Zucker rats, inthe basal state or after catecholamine stimulation have been measured. The obeseZucker rat presents hyperinsulinemia without hyperglycemia and with elevated plasmafree fatty acids, suggesting a dyslipidemia. Morphological studies of three adiposedeposits show a marked hypertrophic and hyperplastic type of obesity, much pronouncedin the subcutaneous depot. In the current study we show that the basallipolytic rate is higher in adipocytes from each deposit of obese rats (when results arecorrected for cell surface area). This finding, associated with the increase of alldeposits, could contribute to the elevated plasma FFA observed. Investigation of theresponsiveness of dibutyril cAMP (DBcAMP) points out that the defect in the NEresponsiveness is essentially located at post-receptor level. Nevertheless, a receptordefect could not be excluded as suggested by a decrease of the Beta-ARs observed in alldeposits. Our study points out that the lipolytic resistance to catecholamines in adiposetissue of obese Zucker rats appears to counteract the increase in the lipolyticrate, in order to moderate the increase in plasma FFA levels that may contribute tothe hyperinsulinemia observed, characteristic of an insulino-resistant state (AU)

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Regulation of lypolysis in white adipose tissuesof lean and obese Zucker rats

Obese Zucker rat is often used as a model of genetic obesity to understand themechanism of the development of obesity. In the present work, in order to betterunderstand the regulation of lipolysis in the Zucker rat, the lipolytic activities ofadipocytes isolated from different adipose depots of lean and obese Zucker rats, inthe basal state or after catecholamine stimulation have been measured. The obeseZucker rat presents hyperinsulinemia without hyperglycemia and with elevated plasmafree fatty acids, suggesting a dyslipidemia. Morphological studies of three adiposedeposits show a marked hypertrophic and hyperplastic type of obesity, much pronouncedin the subcutaneous depot. In the current study we show that the basallipolytic rate is higher in adipocytes from each deposit of obese rats (when results arecorrected for cell surface area). This finding, associated with the increase of alldeposits, could contribute to the elevated plasma FFA observed. Investigation of theresponsiveness of dibutyril cAMP (DBcAMP) points out that the defect in the NEresponsiveness is essentially located at post-receptor level. Nevertheless, a receptordefect could not be excluded as suggested by a decrease of the â-ARs observed in alldeposits. Our study points out that the lipolytic resistance to catecholamines in adiposetissue of obese Zucker rats appears to counteract the increase in the lipolyticrate, in order to moderate the increase in plasma FFA levels that may contribute tothe hyperinsulinemia observed, characteristic of an insulino-resistant state (AU)

No disponible

Regulation of lypolysis in white adipose tissues of lean and obese Zucker rats.

Obese Zucker rat is often used as a model of genetic obesity to understand the mechanism of the development of obesity. In the present work, in order to better understand the regulation of lipolysis in the Zucker rat, the lipolytic activities of adipocytes isolated from different adipose depots of lean and obese Zucker rats, in the basal state or after catecholamine stimulation have been measured. The obese Zucker rat presents hyperinsulinemia without hyperglycemia and with elevated plasma free fatty acids, suggesting a dyslipidemia. Morphological studies of three adipose deposits show a marked hypertrophic and hyperplastic type of obesity, much pronounced in the subcutaneous depot. In the current study we show that the basal lipolytic rate is higher in adipocytes from each deposit of obese rats (when results are corrected for cell surface area). This finding, associated with the increase of all deposits, could contribute to the elevated plasma FFA observed. Investigation of the responsiveness of dibutyril cAMP (DBcAMP) points out that the defect in the NE responsiveness is essentially located at post-receptor level. Nevertheless, a receptor defect could not be excluded as suggested by a decrease of the beta-ARs observed in all deposits. Our study points out that the lipolytic resistance to catecholamines in adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats appears to counteract the increase in the lipolytic rate, in order to moderate the increase in plasma FFA levels that may contribute to the hyperinsulinemia observed, characteristic of an insulino-resistant state.

Prolonged treatment with the beta3-adrenergic agonist CL 316243 induces adipose tissue remodeling in rat but not in guinea pig: 1) fat store depletion and desensitization of beta-adrenergic response

The beta3-adrenergic agonists have been considered as potent antiobesity and antidiabetic agents mainly on the basis of their beneficial actions discovered twenty years ago in obese and diabetic rodents. The aim of this work was to verify whether prolonged treatment with a beta3-adrenergic agonist known to stimulate lipid mobilisation, could promote desensitization of beta-adrenergic responses. Wistar rats and guinea pigs were treated during one week with CL 316243 (CL, 1 mg/kg/d) by implanted osmotic minipumps. In control animals, beta3-adrenergic agonists were lipolytic in rat but not in guinea pig adipocytes. CL-treatment did not alter body weight gain in both species, but reduced fat stores in rats. Lipolysis stimulation by forskolin was unmodified but responses to beta1-, beta2- and beta3-agonists were reduced in visceral or subcutaneous white adipose tissues of CL-treated rats. Similarly, the beta3-adrenergic-dependent impairment of insulin action on glucose transport and lipogenesis in rat adipocytes was diminished after CL-treatment. In rat (..) (AU)

Los agonistas beta3-adrenérgicos son considerados potentes agentes anti-obesidad y antidiabéticos debido, fundamentalmente, a los efectos beneficiosos que producen en roedores obesos y diabeticos, descubiertos ya hace veinte años. El objetivo del presente estudio fue verificar si un tratamiento prolongado con agonists beta3-adrenérgicos, conocidos estimulantes de la movilización lipídica, puede promover la desensibilización de las respuestas beta-adrenérgicas. Para ello, se trataron ratas Wistar y cobayas con CL 316243 (CL, 1 mg/kg/d), administrado mediante el implante de minibombas osmóticas, durante una semana. En los adipocitos de ratas control, pero no en los de cobayas control, los agonistas beta3-adrenérgicos produjeron efectos lipolíticos. El tratamiento con CL no modificó la ganancia de peso en ninguna de las dos especies, pero redujo los depósitos de grasa en ratas. En el tejido adiposo visceral y subcutáneo de las ratas tratadas con CL, la estimulación de la lipólisis por forskolina no se vió afectada, pero las respuestas a agonistas beta1, beta2, y beta3 se redujeron. De manera análoga, el deterioro de la función insulínica, en lo que al transporte de glucosa y la lipogénesis se refiere, producido por los adrenérgicos beta3 y que sólo se observa en los adipocitos de rata, disminuyó tras el tratamiento con CL. En los adipocitos de (..) (AU)

Prolonged treatment with the beta3-adrenergic agonist CL 316243 induces adipose tissue remodeling in rat but not in guinea pig: 1) fat store depletion and desensitization of beta-adrenergic responses.

Beta3-adrenergic agonists have been considered as potent antiobesity and antidiabetic agents mainly on the basis of their beneficial actions discovered twenty years ago in obese and diabetic rodents. The aim of this work was to verify whether prolonged treatment with a beta3-adrenergic agonist known to stimulate lipid mobilisation, could promote desensitization of beta-adrenergic responses. Wistar rats and guinea pigs were treated during one week with CL 316243 (CL, 1 mg/kg/d) by implanted osmotic minipumps. In control animals, beta3-adrenergic agonists were lipolytic in rat but not in guinea pig adipocytes. CL-treatment did not alter body weight gain in both species, but reduced fat stores in rats. Lipolysis stimulation by forskolin was unmodified but responses to beta1-, beta2- and beta3-agonists were reduced in visceral or subcutaneous white adipose tissues of CL-treated rats. Similarly, the beta3-adrenergic-dependent impairment of insulin action on glucose transport and lipogenesis in rat adipocytes was diminished after CL-treatment. In rat adipocytes, [125I]ICYP binding and beta3-adrenoceptor mRNA levels were reduced after sustained CL administration. These findings show that CL 316243 exerts (beta3-adrenergic lipolytic and antilipogenic effects in rat adipocytes. These actions, which are likely involved in the fat depletion observed in rat, also lead to the desensitization of all beta-adrenergic responses. Therefore this desensitization, together with the lack of slimming action in guinea pig, seriously attenuates the usefulness of beta3-agonists as antiobesity agents, and may explain why such agonists have not been conducted to a widespread clinical use.

Effect of vitamin A content in cafeteria diet on the expression of nuclear receptors in rat subcutaneous adipose tissue.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cafeteria diet containing control or elevated level of vitamin A on the expression of nuclear receptors in adipose tissue. Male Wistar rats were submitted to 3 experimental diets during 8 weeks, a standard diet and two hyper-energetic, hyperlipidic "cafeteria" diets containing normal (Caf) or higher (Caf+) vitamin A level. During the experiment, body weights and energy intakes were measured. At the end of the experimental period, subcutaneous adipose tissue (Swat) and all the fat mass were removed and weighted. Nuclear receptors mRNA levels of RARalpha, RARgamma, RXRalpha, PPARgamma were measured in the Swat by a real-time semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. We observed that energy intake of Caf+ and Caf groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. Despite a higher increase of the energy intake in the Caf group compared to the Caf+ group, no significant difference was observed in the body weight gain of the Caf+ compared to the Caf group. The Caf+ and Caf diets led to a significant increase of adipose tissue in cafeteria groups as observed in the Swat depot. The mRNA levels of PPARgamma and RXRalpha were significantly increased in the Caf+ group as compared to control group, with a significant positive correlation between these two parameters. Expressions of RARalpha and RARgamma were not modified in experimental groups compared to controls. In conclusion, 8-week exposure to cafeteria diets with normal and higher levels of vitamin A led to an increase of adiposity in rats, associated, only in the group fed with the higher vitamin A level cafeteria diet, with an increase of PPARgamma and RXRalpha expressions in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Effect of vitamin A content in cafeteria diet on the expression of nuclear receptors in rat subcutaneous adipose tissue

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cafeteria diet containing control or elevated level of vitamin A on the expression of nuclear receptors in adipose tissue. Male Wistar rats were submitted to 3 experimental diets during 8 weeks, a standard diet and two hyper-energetic, hyperlipidic "cafeteria" diets containing normal (Caf) or higher (Caf+) vitamin A level. During the experiment, body weights and energy intakes were measured. At the end of the experimental period, subcutaneous adipose tissue (Swat) and all the fat mass were removed and weighted. Nuclear receptors mRNA levels of RARa, RARg, RXRa, PPARg were measured in the Swat by a real-time semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. We observed that energy intake of Caf+ and Caf groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. Despite a higher increase of the energy intake in the Caf group compared to the Caf+ group, no significant difference was observed in the body weight gain of the Caf+ compared to the Caf group. The Caf+ and Caf diets led to a significant increase of adipose tissue in cafeteria groups as observed in the Swat depot. The mRNA levels of PPARg and RXRa were significantly increased in the Caf+ group as compared to control group, with a significant positive correlation between these two parameters. Expressions of RARa and RARg were not modified in experimental groups compared to controls. In conclusion, 8-week exposure to cafeteria diets with normal and higher levels of vitamin A led to an increase of adiposity in rats, associated, only in the group fed with the higher vitamin A level cafeteria diet, with an increase of PPARg and RXRa expressions in subcutaneous adipose tissue

El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en determinar las consecuencias de un alto contenido en vitamina A en dieta de cafetería sobre la expresión de receptores nucleares en el tejido adiposo. Así, ratas macho Wistar se dividieron en tres grupos : Durante 8 semanas, el grupo control se alimentó con pienso estándar, mientras que los grupos tratados recibieron una dieta rica en grasa (dieta de cafetería) enriquecida (Caf+) o no (Caf) con vitamina A. El peso corporal y la ingesta se determinaron durante todo el experimento. Al final del tratamiento, se pesó el tejido adiposo subcutáneo (Swat) y las otras reservas de grasa. Los niveles de ARNm de los receptores nucleares RARa, RARg, RXRa, PPARg se determinaron en el Swat con un método semi-cuantitativo de RT-PCR en tiempo real. Las ingestas energéticas de los grupos Caf+ y Caf fueron significativamente mayores que las del grupo control. A pesar del aumento en la ingesta del grupo Caf respecto del Caf+, no se observaron diferencias significativas en el aumento de peso corporal entre ambos grupos. Además, las dietas de los grupos Caf+ y Caf provocaron un claro aumento del tamaño de las reservas de grasa, incluido el peso del Swat. Los niveles de ARNm de PPARg yRXRa se incrementaron significativamente en el grupo Caf+ respecto del control, con correlación positiva entre ambos. En cambio, no se modificó la expresión de RARa y RARg. En suma, 8 semanas de alimentación con dieta de cafetería con niveles normales o elevados de vitamina A dan lugar a aumento de la adiposidad en la rata, asociado con aumento de la expresión de PPARg y RXRa en el tejido adiposo subcutáneo solo en el grupo que recibió suplemento de vitamina A

Effect of tyramine, a dietary amine, on glycerol and lactate release by isolated adipocytes from old rats.

Amine degradation by adipocyte amine oxidases leads to the production of metabolites that interact with lipid and glucose metabolisms and their hormonal regulations. To further investigate these interactions, we determined the effect of a dietary amine, tyramine (TYR), on glycerol and lactate releases, respectively taken as indices of lipolytic and glycolytic activities of isolated adipocytes. Old male Wistar rats were used to prepare adipocytes by collagenase dissociation of retroperitoneal fat pads. The two tested doses of tyramine (10 microM and 1 mM) had no effect on basal glycerol release. On the other hand, TYR, at the highest dose tested (1 mM), weakly but significantly increased basal lactate release, which was elevated in adipocytes from old rats. Norepinephrine (NE), highly stimulated adipocyte lipolysis with a submaximal effect at 1 microM which was slightly but significantly inhibited by TYR 1 mM. Insulin 1 nM (INS) also poorly inhibited the NE-stimulated lipolysis in adipocytes isolated from old rats. TYR was able to potentiate the poor antilipolytic efficiency of INS. Under similar conditions, a high dose of NE greatly reduced lactate production and TYR (1 mM) reversed this inhibition of lactate release. INS was also able to totally reverse the inhibitory effect of NE on lactate release, but there was no potentiation between insulin and tyramine effects. It can be concluded that high doses of TYR interact with norepinephrine and insulin, at least on the control of glycerol and lactate release, by counteracting catecholamine effects and by mimicking insulin actions.

Selective activation of beta3-adrenoceptors by octopamine: comparative studies in mammalian fat cells.

Numerous synthetic agonists selectively stimulate beta3-adrenoceptors (ARs). The endogenous catecholamines, noradrenaline and adrenaline, however, stimulate all the beta-AR subtypes, and no selective physiological agonist for beta3-ARs has been described so far. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any naturally occurring amine can stimulate selectively beta3-ARs. Since activation of lipolysis is a well-known beta-adrenergic function, the efficacy and potency of various biogenic amines were compared with those of noradrenaline, isoprenaline, and beta3-AR agonists 4-(-{[2-hydroxy-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-amino} propyl)phenoxyacetate (BRL 37,344) and (R,R)-5-(2-{[2-(3-chlorophenyl )-2-hydroxyethyl]-amino} propyl)-1,3-benzo-dioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate (CL 316,243) by testing their lipolytic action in white fat cells. Five mammalian species were studied: rat, hamster and dog, in which selective beta-AR agonists act as full lipolytic agents, and guinea-pigs and humans, in which beta3-AR agonists are less potent activators of lipolysis. Several biogenic amines were inefficient (e.g. dopamine, tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine) while others (synephrine, phenylethanolamine, epinine) were partially active in stimulating lipolysis in all species studied. Their actions were inhibited by all the beta-AR antagonists tested, including those selective for beta1- or beta2-ARs. Octopamine was the only amine fully stimulating lipolysis in rat, hamster and dog fat cells, while inefficient in guinea-pig or human fat cells, like the beta3-AR agonists. In rat white fat cells, beta-AR antagonists inhibited the lipolytic effect of octopamine with a relative order of potency very similar to that observed against CL 316,243. Competitive antagonism of octopamine effect resulted in the following apparent pA2 [-log(IC50), where IC50 is the antagonist concentration eliciting half-maximal inhibition] values: 7.77 (bupranolol), 6.48 [3-(2-ethyl-phenoxy)-1[(1 S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-1-ylaminol]-(2S)2-propanol oxalate, SR 59230A, a beta3-selective antagonist], 6.30[erythro-D,L-1(7-lethylindan-4-yloxy)-3-isopropylamino-+ ++butan-2-ol, ICI 118,551, a beta2-selective antagonist] and 4.71 [(+/-)-[2-(3-carbomyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-ethylamino]-3-[4-(1- methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-2-imidazolyl)-phenoxy]2-propanolmethane sulphonate, CGP 20712A, a beta1-selective antagonist]. Octopamine had other properties in common with beta3-AR agonists: stimulation of oxygen consumption in rat brown fat cells and very low affinity in displacing [3H]CGP 12,177 binding to [beta1- or beta2-ARs in dog and rat adipocyte membranes. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human beta3-ARs, octopamine inhibited [125I]ICYP binding with only twofold less affinity than noradrenaline while it exhibited an affinity around 200-fold lower than noradrenaline in CHO cells expressing human beta1- or beta2-ARs. These data suggest that, among the biogenic amines metabolically related to catecholamines, octopamine can be considered as the most selective for beta3-ARs.

Lipolytic and antilipolytic responses of the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus sungorus) white adipocytes after weight loss induced by short photoperiod exposure.

Short day photoperiod promotes thermogenesis and extensive weight loss in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus sungorus). To determine whether a change in hormone-sensitive lipolysis occurs after short-photoperiod exposure, some lipolytic responses were measured on white adipocytes isolated from animals exposed in warm conditions to short or Long daylight photoperiod. The body mass of male Siberian hamsters exposed during 11 weeks to short days (SD; light: dark, 6:18 hr) reached only 50% of those kept in long days (LD; 16: 8 hr). In SD-hamsters, adipose depot mass also represented approximately 50% of the LD group. A lower DNA content was observed in intra-abdominal fat pads of SD-hamsters. Lipolytic responses to noradrenaline, adrenaline, isoproterenol and ACTH were unchanged. However, sensitivity to the beta-3 adrenergic agonist, BRL 37344, was moderately increased. The major component of the adrenergic control of lipolysis was mediated by beta-3 adrenoceptors in both LD- and SD-Siberian hamsters. The limited antilipolytic effect of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, PYY or insulin was rather surprising in Siberian hamsters since these inhibitory systems are efficient in hibernants and other photoperiod-sensitive rodents. Our results show that, after short photoperiod exposure, white adipose tissue mass and DNA content are reduced, especially in the epididymal fat pad, with only minor changes in the adipocyte sensitivity to lipolytic hormones.

Effects of chronic treatment with noradrenaline or a specific beta3-adrenergic agonist, CL 316 243, on energy expenditure and epididymal adipocyte lipolytic activity in rat.

1. The effects of 7 days exposure to a specific beta3-adrenergic agonist, CL 316 243 (1 mg/kg x 24 hr), or to the physiological hormone, noradrenaline (5 mg/kg x 24 hr), were tested on energy expenditure and on in vitro lipolysis in male Sprague-Dawley rats. 2. At the second day of treatment, the total energy expenditure and the resting metabolic rate were increased by 20 and 30%, respectively, in the CL-treated group. Under the same conditions, a dose five times higher of NA increased the resting metabolic rate by 11% without any significant change in the total daily energy expenditure. 3. The CL-treated group showed a lower weight gain, correlated with a significant reduction in retroperitoneal adipose tissue weight. Both treatments resulted in a marked desensitization (increased EC50 values) of the NA stimulated lipolysis of epididymal adipocytes. The effects of both treatments on maximal lipolysis were opposite. Indeed, chronic NA-treatment decreased the responsiveness of lipolysis while chronic treatment with CL increased the maximal stimulation of lipolysis to NA. Furthermore, dose-response curve for CL on lipolysis showed a marked functional desensitization of beta3-adrenergic response. 4. Our results demonstrate the high selectivity of beta3-adrenergic agonists to stimulate whole body energy expenditure and lipid mobilization in rodents. The present results point out for the first time an adrenergic desensitization of the lipolytic response after chronic administration of a beta3-agonist.

Role of beta1- and beta3-adrenoceptors in the regulation of lipolysis and thermogenesis in rat brown adipocytes.

To evaluate the physiological functions of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors (ARs) in brown adipose tissue, the lipolytic and respiratory effects of various adrenergic agonists and antagonists were studied in rat brown adipocytes. The beta-agonists stimulated both lipolysis and respiration (8-10 times above basal levels), with the following order of potency (concentration eliciting 50% of maximum response): CL-316243 (beta3) > BRL-37344 (beta3) > isoproterenol (mainly beta1/beta2) > norepinephrine (NE; mainly beta1/beta2) > epinephrine (mainly beta1/beta2) >> dobutamine (beta1) >> procaterol (beta2). Schild plot coefficients of competitive inhibition experiments using ICI-89406 (beta1 antagonist) revealed that more than one type of receptor mediates NE action. It is concluded from our results that 1) NE, at low plasma levels (1-25 nM), stimulates lipolysis and respiration mainly through beta1-ARs, 2) NE, at higher levels, stimulates lipolysis and respiration via both beta1- and beta3-ARs, 3) beta2-ARs play only a minor role, and 4) beta3-ARs may represent the physiological receptors for the high NE concentrations in the synaptic cleft, where the high-affinity beta1-ARs are presumably desensitized. It is also suggested that lipolysis represents the flux-generating step regulating mitochondrial respiration.

Regional variation in adipose tissue insulin action and GLUT4 glucose transporter expression in severely obese premenopausal women.

Insulin action and GLUT4 expression were examined in adipose tissue of severely obese premenopausal women undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Fat samples were taken from three different anatomical regions: the subcutaneous abdominal site, the round ligament (deep abdominal properitoneal fat), and the greater omentum (deep abdominal intraperitoneal fat). The stimulatory effect of insulin on glucose transport and the ability of the hormone to inhibit lipolysis were determined in adipocytes isolated from these three adipose depots. Insulin stimulated glucose transport 2-3 times over basal rates in all adipocytes. However, round ligament adipose cells showed a significantly greater responsiveness to insulin when compared to subcutaneous and omental adipocytes. Round ligament fat cells also displayed the greatest sensitivity and maximal antilipolytic response to insulin. We also investigated whether regional differences in fat cell insulin-stimulated glucose transport were linked to a differential expression of the GLUT4 glucose transporter. GLUT4 protein content in total membranes was 5 and 2.2 times greater in round ligament adipose tissue than in subcutaneous and omental fat depots, respectively. Moreover, GLUT4 mRNA levels were 2.1 and 3 times higher in round ligament than in subcutaneous or omental adipose tissues, respectively. Adipose tissue GLUT4 protein content was strongly and negatively associated (r = -0.79 to -0.89, p < 0.01) with the waist-to-hip ratio but not with total adiposity. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the existence of site differences in adipose tissue insulin action in morbidly obese women. The greater insulin effect on glucose transport in round ligament adipocytes was associated with a higher expression of GLUT4 when compared to subcutaneous abdominal and omental fat cells. Moreover, despite the regional variation in GLUT4 expression, an increased proportion of abdominal fat was found to be associated with lower levels of GLUT4 in all adipose regions investigated.

Characterization of a melatonin binding site in Siberian hamster brown adipose tissue.

Melatonin has been shown, in various rodent species, to mediate photoperiodic effects on body weight and, consequently, fat mass. Pharmacological investigations indicated that the brown adipose tissue of Siberian hamsters possesses a melatonin binding site with a dissociation constant of 570+/-300 pM and a density of 3.2+/-1.8 fmol/mg protein. This binding site can also be detected on mature brown adipocyte membranes. The rank order of potency of a variety of drugs to displace 2-[125I]iodomelatonin from binding sites on Siberian hamster brown adipose tissue was as follows: 2-iodomelatonin > melatonin = prazosin > GR135531 (5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine) > N-acetylserotonin > 6-chloromelatonin > S20304 (N-(2-(1-naphthyl)ethyl)cyclobutanecarboxamide) >> methoxamine, phenylephrine, serotonin. Mel(1a) mRNA was not detected by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) in brown adipose tissue. Melatonin had no effect on either basal or stimulated lipolysis. Moreover, melatonin did not modify intracellular cAMP accumulation or inositol phosphate content. Together, these results suggest that the melatonin binding site characterized in brown adipose tissue is clearly different from the Mel(1) cloned subtype and has some features different from those of the Mel2 subtype.