FAT-CELLS

The adipocyte is a metabolically active cell that functions to store e nergy for times of energy deprivation or enhanced need. Obesity is cha racterized by increased lipid accumulation and turnover compared with the nonobese state. Both triglyceride synthesis and lipolysis are regu lated metabolic processes in the adipocyte. Current research on the me tabolic activities of the human adipocyte focus on plasma triglyceride hydrolysis and uptake of fatty acids by LPL, esterification of these fatty acids, and the subsequent triglyceride breakdown by hormone-sens itive lipase in response to stimulation of adrenergic receptors. These topics are discussed in relationship to the development of obesity.