Effects of Glucocorticoids on Hormone-Stimulated Lipolysis and Calcium Uptake in the Adipose Cells

Summary

Hormone-induced lipolysis and calcium accumulation were concomitantly reduced in the adipose tissue from adrenalectomized rats. In contrast, both epinephrine-activated lipolysis and calcium accumulation were potentiated when the adipocytes were preincubated with 33 ng/ml of dexamethasone for 3 hrs.

These potentiating effects of dexamethasone on epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis were completely inhibited when the adipocytes were preincubated with the steroid and verapamil which inhibited hormone-induced calcium influx into the adipocytes. These findings suggest that the potentiating effect of glucocorticoid on hormone-stimulated lipolysis depends upon its accerelating action on hormone-induced calcium influx into the adipocytes.

Key-Words:

Lipolysis - Adipocytes - Calcium Accumulation - Glucocorticoid - Adrenalectomy