TSH receptor in adipose cells

Although there have been reports supporting the presence of the TSH recepto r (TSHR) in human adipose tissue, these findings are still not universally accepted. Contributing to the controversy is a paucity of data about the ph ysiological role the TSH receptor might play in adipose cells. In addition to mature lipid-filled adipocytes, adipose tissue also harbors a pool of sp ecialized, fibroblast-like preadipocytes within the stromal-vascular compar tment. Upon appropriate induction, preadipocytes can either differentiate i nto adipocytes or undergo apoptosis, Since TSHR has been detected in preadi pocytes and adipocytes, its potential impact on adipose tissue function may relate to differentiation stage-specific cellular properties.