Regulation of adipose cell number in man

Abstract

1. Adipose tissue mass is dependent on both the average volume and the number of its constituent adipocytes. Significant alteration in body mass involves alteration in both adipocyte volume and number. 2. Increases in adipocyte number occur via replication and differentiation of preadipocytes, a process which occurs throughout life. Decreases in adipocyte number occur via preadipocyte and adipocyte apoptosis, and possibly adipocyte dedifferentiation. 3. Overall regulation of adipose mass involves endocrine, paracrine and possibly autocrine systems. Hypothalamic centres appear to control appetite, metabolic rate and activity levels in a co-ordinated manner. Within the hypothalamus, known weig..