Abstract
In vivo data have suggested that adrenergic signals can reactivate dormant brown adipocytes in adult humans. We report here a system based on primary cultures of perirenal adipocytes from human adults and reverse transcription-PCR of uncoupling protein mRNA. Norepinephrine and compounds classified as beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists in rodents increased uncoupling protein mRNA level in human adipocytes (presumably brown adipocytes). Although we did not demonstrate that the observed effect was mediated by beta 3-adrenoceptors, it is proposed that this system could be used to appreciate the ability of beta-adrenoceptor agonists to activate UCP gene transcription and help to select beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists prior to in vivo trials; indeed, the difficulty in developing such drugs that are effective in humans may result from the fact that the screening of molecules has historically been made in rodents.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adipocytes / metabolism*
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Adipose Tissue, Brown / cytology
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Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology*
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Adult
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Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Cell Differentiation
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Cells, Cultured
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Humans
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Hyperaldosteronism / metabolism
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Ion Channels
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Kidney Neoplasms / metabolism
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Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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Pheochromocytoma / metabolism
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification
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RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / drug effects
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3
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Stem Cells / metabolism*
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Uncoupling Protein 1
Substances
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists
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Carrier Proteins
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Ion Channels
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Membrane Proteins
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Mitochondrial Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta
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Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-3
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Uncoupling Protein 1
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RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase