Effects of volatile fatty acids and ketone bodies on lipolysis in isolated adipocytes from Norwegian reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).

Abstract

The effect of volatile fatty acids (acetate and propionate) and ketone bodies (acetoacetate and DL-3-hydroxybutyrate) on adrenaline stimulated lipolysis have been studied in isolated adipocytes from Norwegian reindeer. All four substances caused a strong (63-90%) inhibition of lipolysis, measured as glycerol release, at low concentrations of adrenaline (5 nM). At higher adrenaline concentrations (50 nM) inhibition only took place in the presence of propionate (30% inhibition) or DL-3-hydroxybutyrate (43% inhibition). DL-3-hydroxybutyrate caused a marked reduction in adrenaline stimulated glycerol release, even at very low concentrations. The effective dose causing 50% inhibition (ED50) was 1.5 mM. It is suggested that both volatile fatty acids and ketone bodies can act as important volatile regulators of lipopolysis in this high arctic ruminant undergoing great seasonal changes in volatile fatty acid and supposedly ketone body production.