Cross-talk between sympathetic neurons and adipocytes in coculture

L. Christine Turtzo^*, Ruth Marx, and M. Daniel Lane^*,

Departments of ^*Biological Chemistry and Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205

Accepted for publication September 11, 2001.

Abstract: White adipose tissue plays an integral role in energy metabolism and is governed by endocrine, autocrine, and neural signals. Neural control of adipose metabolism is mediated by sympathetic neurons that innervate the tissue. To investigate the effects of this innervation, an ex vivo system was developed in which 3T3-L1 adipocytes are cocultured with sympathetic neurons isolated from the superior cervical ganglia of newborn rats. In coculture, both adipocytes and neurons exhibit appropriate morphology, express cell-type-specific markers, and modulate key metabolic processes in one another. Lipolysis (stimulated by β-adrenergic agents) and leptin secretion by adipocytes are down-regulated by neurons in coculture, effects apparently mediated by neuropeptide Y (NPY). Secretion of NPY by neurons is up-regulated dramatically by the presence of adipocytes in coculture and appears to be mediated by an adipocyte-derived soluble factor. Insulin, an antilipolytic agent, down-regulates NPY secretion. Our findings suggest that an adipocyte-derived factor(s) up-regulates the secretion of NPY by sympathetic neurons, which, in turn, attenuates lipolytic energy mobilization by adipocytes.

Historical perspectives in fat cell biology: the fat cell as a model for the investigation of hormonal and metabolic pathways.

M. Lafontan (2012)
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 302, C327-C359
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Interleukin-1{beta} May Mediate Insulin Resistance in Liver-Derived Cells in Response to Adipocyte Inflammation.

O. Nov, A. Kohl, E. C. Lewis, N. Bashan, I. Dvir, S. Ben-Shlomo, S. Fishman, S. Wueest, D. Konrad, and A. Rudich (2010)
Endocrinology 151, 4247-4256
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Acupuncture and exercise restore adipose tissue expression of sympathetic markers and improve ovarian morphology in rats with dihydrotestosterone-induced PCOS.

L. Manneras, S. Cajander, M. Lonn, and E. Stener-Victorin (2009)
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 296, R1124-R1131
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

A Common Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Alters the Synthesis and Secretion of Neuropeptide Y.

G. C. Mitchell, Q. Wang, P. Ramamoorthy, and M. D. Whim (2008)
J. Neurosci. 28, 14428-14434
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Neuropeptide Y is produced in visceral adipose tissue and promotes proliferation of adipocyte precursor cells via the Y1 receptor.

K. Yang, H. Guan, E. Arany, D. J. Hill, and X. Cao (2008)
FASEB J 22, 2452-2464
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Secretion of neuropeptide Y in human adipose tissue and its role in maintenance of adipose tissue mass.

K. Kos, A. L. Harte, S. James, D. R. Snead, J. P. O'Hare, P. G. McTernan, and S. Kumar (2007)
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 293, E1335-E1340
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Chronic Stress Induces Rapid Occlusion of Angioplasty-Injured Rat Carotid Artery by Activating Neuropeptide Y and Its Y1 Receptors.

L. Li, A.-C. Jonsson-Rylander, K. Abe, and Z. Zukowska (2005)
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 25, 2075-2080
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Epistatic Interaction Between {beta}2-Adrenergic Receptor and Neuropeptide Y Genes Influences LDL-Cholesterol in Hypertension.

M. Tomaszewski, F. J. Charchar, B. Lacka, U. Pesonen, W. Y.S. Wang, E. Zukowska-Szczechowska, W. Grzeszczak, and A. F. Dominiczak (2004)
Hypertension 44, 689-694
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

Neuropeptide Y-Induced Acceleration of Postangioplasty Occlusion of Rat Carotid Artery.

L. Li, E. W. Lee, H. Ji, and Z. Zukowska (2003)
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 23, 1204-1210
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »