Real-time imaging of vascular brown adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity

Abstract

Background and Aims: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) liberates fatty acids and glycerol from the core of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs). Delayed postprandial clearance of TRLs is associated with atherosclerosis. Measurement of the effective tissue LPL activity has proven difficult, as not only the intrinsic activity of the enzyme but also the intravascular localization is important for proper TRL processing. We developed an ultrafast confocal in vivo microscopy-based approach for visualizing LPL action in capillaries.