Abstract
The in vitro metabolism of a suspension of adipose cells, prepared by collagenase disintegration of 5 to 20 mg samples of subcutaneous (white) adipose tissue, was studied in normal newborns 6 h to 6 days of age in comparison with normal adults. In order to relate results to cell number they were calculated in terms of DNA content. Glycerol release was elevated during the first day of life and then decreased below the level found in adults. Glycerol release was less activated by nor-epinephrine in the neonate. In the adult the free fatty acid (FFA) release was consistent with glycerol release (molar ratio of FFA/glycerol of about 3); in the neonate FFA release was much less which suggests that FFA was either being re-esterified or partially oxidized. Oxygen consumption was essentially the same in the adipocytes of neonates and adults as was its activation by nor-epinephrine.
Previous studies using intact adipose tissue fragments indicated an increased glycerol release and alos an increased oxygen consumption in young neonates; comparisons were made on a basis of wet weight. The present study not onlly confirms the previous findings but also shows the increased glycerol release in young neonates to be a property of the individual adipose cell. On the other hand the increased oxygen consumption of neonatal adipose tissue is probably a function of the increased cellularity.
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Novak, M., Monkus, E. & Cleveland, W. Neonatal Fat Metabolism: Developmental Aspects in Isolated Human Adipose Tissue Cells. Pediatr Res 4, 453 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00077
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00077