Adipocytes

individual fat cells. found throughout loose connective tissue play a key role in energy homeostasis Stores excess energy in the form of triglycerides; energy can be rapidly released Secrete paracrine and endocrine substance (endothelial organ) Contain a single large lipid droplet that displaces most of the cytoplasm, nucleus pushed to side, surrounded by reticular fibers (Type III Collagen) that are secreted by the adipocyte

albumin

carrier protein that transports fatty acids from adipose into other cells, which use fatty acids as metabolic fuel.
the system consisting of interconnected hormonal and neural signals emanating from the adipose tissue, alimentary tract, and central nervous system that regulates appetite, hunger, and energy homeostasis
present in large amounts in the newborn, which helps offset heat loss Have multiple lipid droplets instead of just one Tissue is brown because of capillary supply innervated by numerous unmyelinated nerve fibers cells smaller than white adipocytes Metabolism of brown adipose tissue produces heat to warm the blood and maintain body temperature (regulated by norepinephrine)

Brain-gut-adipose axis

Brown adipose tissue

Early Lipoblasts

elongated configuration, contain lipid inclusions at one end of the cytoplasm, have pinocytotic vesicles and an external lamina. Will develop into lipoblasts

Ghrelin

appetite stimulating polypeptide that functions through receptors located in the hypothalamus, increasing the sense of hunger. "meal initiator" factor This is overproduced in Prader-Willi syndrome

Glucagon

pancreatic hormone involved in increasing lipid utilization (lipolysis)

Leptin, angiotensinogen (AGE), adiponectin, resistin, and steroid hormones
pancreatic hormone that regulates blood glucose level and adipose tissue metabolism. Regulates weight gain by acting on brain centers in the hypothalamus
Peptide hormone involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis Exclusively secreted by adipocytes Inhibits food intake when the body's store of energy is sufficient and inhibits loss of body weight by stimulating food uptake when lipid stores are low. Acts on the Hypothalamus

Hormones secreted by Adipocytes

Insulin

Leptin

Leptin (ob) gene

encodes a fat-specific messenger RNA for leptin has given some insight into the mechanism of energy homeostasis

Lipase

enzyme that splits triglycerides contributes to lipid metabolism this is activated by norepinephrine
initially develop from stomal-vascular cells along the small blood vessels in the fetus and are free of lipids. They are committed to becoming adipocytes because they express PPAR(gamma)/RXR controls appetite and metabolism on a continual basis (over months and years) Two hormones of this system are leptin and insulin

Lipoblasts

Long-term weight regulation

Mammary Fat Pad

in both sexes, this is the preferential site for accumulation of adipose tissue Non-lactating female breast is composed primarily of this tissue When adipose tissue elsewhere becomes depleted of lipid, this structural adipose tissue remains undiminished complex of two transcription factors that play a critical role in adipocyte differentiation and initiation of lipid metabolism regarded as the "master switch" regulator in the white adipocytes' differentiation

PPAR(gamma)/RXR

PRDM16/PGC-1

Complex of transcription factors that is regarded as the "master switch" regulator in the brown adipocyte differentiation pathway
control of appetite and metabolism on a daily basis Peptide YY (appetite suppressant) and ghrelin (appetite stimulant) are linked to this system

Short-term weight regulation

Triglycerides

a dynamic form of energy storage in mammals. These are the most concentrated form of metabolic energy storage available to humans In the event of food deprivation, these are an essential source of water and energy

Uncoupling Protein (UCP-1) or Thermogenin

mitochondrial protein essential for brown adipocyte metabolism Uncouples the oxidation of fatty acids from the production of ATP, allowing the energy produced by mitochondria to be dissipated as heat in a process called thermogenesis Regulated by norepinephrine Activity increases during cold stress

White adipose tissue

predominant type of adipose in adult humans Functions: energy storage, insulation, cushioning of vital organs, secretion of hormones AKA Hypodermis Derived from mesenchymal stem cells