Factors affecting fatty acid oxidation in fat cells isolated from rat white adipose tissue

Palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) increases oxygen consumption, fatty acid oxidation and ATP content in white adipocytes

Background

We have recently demonstrated that palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) increases lipolysis, glucose uptake and glucose utilization for energy production in white adipose cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that palmitoleic acid modulates bioenergetic activity in white adipocytes.

Methods

For this, 3 T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were differentiated into mature adipocytes in the presence (or absence) of palmitic (16:0) or palmitoleic (16:1n7) acid at 100 or 200 μM. The following parameters were evaluated: lipolysis, lipogenesis, fatty acid (FA) oxidation, ATP content, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial mass, citrate synthase activity and protein content of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes.

Results

Treatment with 16:1n7 during 9 days raised basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis, FA incorporation into triacylglycerol (TAG), FA oxidation, oxygen consumption, protein expression of subunits representing OXPHOS complex II, III, and V and intracellular ATP content. These effects were not observed in adipocytes treated with 16:0.

Conclusions

Palmitoleic acid, by concerted action on lipolysis, FA esterification, mitochondrial FA oxidation, oxygen consumption and ATP content, does enhance white adipocyte energy expenditure and may act as local hormone.

Acute regulation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase by long-chain fatty acid, glucose and insulin in rat primary adipocytes

Palmitate increased AMPK (5'-AMP-activated protein kinase) activity, glucose utilization and 2-DOG (2-deoxyglucose) transport in rat adipocytes. All three effects were blocked by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C, leading to the conclusion that in response to an increase in long-chain NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid) concentration AMPK mediated an enhancement of adipocyte glucose transport, thereby providing increased glycerol 3-phosphate for FA (fatty acid) esterification to TAG (triacylglycerol). Activation of AMPK in response to palmitate was not due to an increase in the adipocyte AMP:ATP ratio. Glucose decreased AMPK activity and effects of palmitate and glucose on AMPK activity were antagonistic. While insulin had no effect on basal AMPK activity insulin did decrease AMPK activity in the presence of palmitate and also decreased the percentage effectiveness of palmitate to increase the transport of 2-DOG. It is suggested that activation of adipocyte AMPK by NEFA, as well as decreasing the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase, could modulate adipose tissue dynamics by increasing FA esterification and, under certain circumstances, FA synthesis.

Fatty acid-induced mitochondrial uncoupling in adipocytes is not a promising target for treatment of insulin resistance unless adipocyte oxidative capacity is increased

The release of fatty acids from white adipose tissue is regulated at several levels. We have examined the suggestion that fatty acid release might be diminished by upregulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the adipocyte, through increasing mitochondrial uncoupling. The intrinsic oxidative capacity of white adipose tissue is low, and older studies suggest that there is little fatty acid oxidation in white adipocytes, human or rodent. We have examined data on fatty acid metabolism and O(2) consumption in human white adipose tissue in vivo, and conclude that increasing fatty acid oxidation within the oxidative capacity of the tissue would produce only small changes (a few percent) in fatty acid release. The major locus of control of fatty acid release beyond the stimulation of lipolysis is the pathway of fatty acid esterification, already probably targeted by the thiazolidinedione insulin-sensitising agents. An alternative approach would be to upregulate the mitochondrial capacity of the adipocyte. We review proof-of-concept studies in which the phenotype of the white adipocyte has been changed to resemble that of the brown adipocyte by expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1alpha. This increases oxidative capacity and also leads to fatty acid retention through upregulation of glycerol-3-phosphate production, and hence increased fatty acid re-esterification. We conclude that prevention or treatment of insulin resistance through alteration of adipocyte fatty acid handling will require more than a simple alteration of the activity of mitochondrial beta-oxidation within normal limits.

Porcine leptin inhibits lipogenesis in porcine adipocytes

The present study examined whether recombinant porcine leptin alters lipid synthesis in porcine adipocytes. The stromal-vascular cell fraction of neonatal pig subcutaneous adipose tissue was isolated by collagenase digestion, filtration, and subsequent centrifugation. These cells were seeded on 25-cm2 tissue culture flasks and proliferated to confluency in 10% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12, 50:50). Cultures were differentiated using 2.5% pig serum (vol/vol), 10 nM insulin, 100 nM hydrocortisone. After 7 d of lipid filling, cultures were washed free of this medium, incubated overnight in DMEM/F12 containing 2% pig serum (vol/vol), and then used for experiments. Acute experiments assessed U-(14)C-glucose or 1-(14)C-palmitate metabolism in cultures exposed to porcine leptin (0 to 1,000 ng/mL medium) for 4 h. Chronic experiments used cultures incubated with 0 to 1,000 ng porcine leptin/mL medium for 44 h before measurements of U-(14)C-glucose and 1-(14)C-palmitate oxidation and incorporation into lipid. Another experiment examined whether chronic leptin treatment alters insulin responsiveness by including insulin (10 nM) with incubations containing leptin. Leptin had no acute effects on glucose oxidation or conversion to lipid (P > 0.05). Acute leptin treatment decreased palmitate incorporation into lipids up to 45% (P < 0.05). Chronic leptin exposure decreased glucose oxidation (21%), total lipid synthesis (18%), and fatty acid synthesis (23%) at 100 ng/mL medium (P < 0.05). Insulin increased rates of glucose oxidation, total lipid, and fatty acid synthesis (P < 0.05); however, chronic exposure to 10 ng leptin/mL medium decreased the effectiveness of 10 nM insulin to affect these measures of glucose metabolism by approximately 18 to 46% (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations of leptin inhibited all effects of insulin on glucose metabolism (P < 0.05). Chronic exposure to leptin increased palmitate oxidation by 36% (P < 0.05). Chronic leptin exposure decreased palmitate incorporation into total lipids by 40% at 100 ng/mL medium (P < 0.05). Lipoprotein lipase activity was not affected (P > 0.05) by leptin. These data indicate that leptin functions to promote partitioning of energy away from lipid accretion within porcine adipose tissue by inhibiting glucose oxidation and lipogenesis indirectly, by decreasing insulin-mediated stimulation of lipogenesis, and by stimulating fatty acid oxidation while inhibiting fatty acid esterification.

Porcine leptin alters isolated adipocyte glucose and fatty acid metabolism

This study examined if leptin can acutely affect glucose or fatty acid metabolism in pig adipocytes and whether leptin's actions on lipogenesis are manifested through interaction with insulin or growth hormone. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from approximately 55 kg crossbred barrows at the USDA abattoir. Isolated adipocytes were prepared using a collagenase procedure. Experiments assessed U-14C-glucose or 1-14C-palmitate metabolism in isolated adipocytes exposed to: basal medium (control), 100 nM insulin, 100 ng/ml porcine growth hormone, 100 ng/ml recombinant porcine leptin, and combinations of these hormones. Treatments were performed in triplicate and the experiment was repeated with adipocytes isolated from five different animals. Cell aliquots (250 microl) were added to 1 ml of incubation medium, then incubated for 2h at 37 degrees C for measurement of glucose and palmitate oxidation or incorporation into lipid. Incubation of isolated adipocytes with insulin increased glucose oxidation rate by 18% (P<0.05), while neither growth hormone nor leptin affected glucose oxidation (P>0.5). Total lipid synthesis from glucose was increased by approximately 25% by 100 nM insulin or insulin+growth hormone (P<0.05). Insulin+leptin reduced the insulin response by 37% (P<0.05). The combination of all three hormones increased total lipid synthesis by 35%, relative to controls (P<0.05), a rate similar to insulin alone. Fatty acid synthesis was elevated by insulin (32%, P<0.05) or growth hormone (13%, P<0.05). Leptin had no effect on fatty acid synthesis (P>0.05). Leptin reduced the esterification rate by 10% (P<0.05). Growth hormone and insulin could overcome leptin's inhibition of palmitate esterification (P>0.05).

Regulation of leptin secretion from white adipocytes by free fatty acids

Norepinephrine stimulates lipolysis and concurrently inhibits insulin-stimulated leptin secretion from white adipocytes. To assess whether there is a cause-effect relationship between these two metabolic events, the effects of fatty acids were investigated in isolated rat adipocytes incubated in buffer containing low (0.1%) and high (4%) albumin concentrations. Palmitic acid (1 mM) mimicked the inhibitory effects of norepinephrine (1 microM) on insulin (10 nM)-stimulated leptin secretion, but only at low albumin concentrations. Studies investigating the effects of the chain length of saturated fatty acids [from butyric (C4) to stearic (C18) acids] revealed that only fatty acids with a chain length superior or equal to eight carbons effectively inhibited insulin-stimulated leptin secretion. Long-chain mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids constitutively present in adipocyte triglyceride stores (oleic, linoleic, gamma-linolenic, palmitoleic, eicosapentanoic, and docosahexanoic acids) also completely suppressed leptin secretion. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids inhibited insulin-stimulated leptin secretion with the same potency and without any significant effect on basal secretion. On the other hand, inhibitors of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (palmoxirate, 2-bromopalmitate, 2-bromocaproate) attenuated the stimulatory effects of insulin on leptin release without reversing the effects of fatty acids or norepinephrine, suggesting that fatty acids do not need to be oxidized by the mitochondria to inhibit leptin release. These results demonstrate that long-chain fatty acids mimic the effects of norepinephrine on leptin secretion and suggest that they may play a regulatory role as messengers between stimulation of lipolysis by norepinephrine and inhibition of leptin secretion.

Integrative physiology of human adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is now recognised as a highly active metabolic and endocrine organ. Great strides have been made in uncovering the multiple functions of the adipocyte in cellular and molecular detail, but it is essential to remember that adipose tissue normally operates as a structured whole. Its functions are regulated by multiple external influences such as autonomic nervous system activity, the rate of blood flow and the delivery of a complex mix of substrates and hormones in the plasma. Attempting to understand how all these factors converge and regulate adipose tissue function is a prime example of integrative physiology. Adipose tissue metabolism is extremely dynamic, and the supply of and removal of substrates in the blood is acutely regulated according to the nutritional state. Adipose tissue possesses the ability to a very large extent to modulate its own metabolic activities, including differentiation of new adipocytes and production of blood vessels as necessary to accommodate increasing fat stores. At the same time, adipocytes signal to other tissues to regulate their energy metabolism in accordance with the body's nutritional state. Ultimately adipocyte fat stores have to match the body's overall surplus or deficit of energy. This implies the existence of one (or more) signal(s) to the adipose tissue that reflects the body's energy status, and points once again to the need for an integrative view of adipose tissue function.

Octanoate inhibits triglyceride synthesis in 3T3-L1 and human adipocytes

To understand how medium-chain fatty acids (FA) influence lipid metabolism in adipocytes, we studied the effects of octanoate on the oxidation of glucose and endogenous palmitate, cellular O(2) consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid synthesis from long-chain FA, glucose and lactate. We found that octanoate significantly suppressed the esterification of oleate into triglycerides (TG) in both 3T3-L1 and human adipocytes. Octanoate also significantly suppressed de novo FA synthesis. These effects were associated with octanoate-mediated reductions in the activities of acyl CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Cells pretreated with octanoate had reduced mRNA levels for a number of lipid metabolism genes, including of DGAT, ACC and stearoyl CoA desaturase-1. On the other hand, octanoate did not acutely perturb cellular O(2) consumption or mitochondrial membrane potential. Together, these results suggest that octanoate affected adipocyte function by reducing TG synthesis but not by enhancing oxidation.

Metabolic partitioning of endogenous fatty acid in adipocytes

OBJECTIVE

To develop an accurate new method to measure the partitioning of adipocyte endogenous fatty acids among different metabolic pathways, a critical step toward understanding the regulatory mechanism by which fat disposition is modulated.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Isolated primary rat adipocytes were pre-incubated with isotope-labeled fatty acids. This allows determination of the specific activity of labeled fatty acids in the endogenous lipid pool. After the removal of exogenous fatty acids, the disposition of endogenous fatty acids into the three major metabolic pathways, namely, oxidation, re-esterification, and release into the medium, was measured independently. This was compared with the total lipolytic release of endogenous fatty acids, as measured by glycerol release. Adipocytes from normal fed and fasted animals were used to determine the effects of physiological variations on the metabolic fate of endogenous fatty acids.

RESULTS

In normal fed animals, 0.2% of endogenous fatty acids were oxidized, 50.1% were released, and 49.7% were re-esterified. Fasting doubled the partitioning of fatty acids toward oxidation (p < 0.05) in association with increased lipolysis (1.4-fold increase) (p < 0.05). This effect was completely abolished by the addition of insulin to the cells (61% reduction) (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The endogenous fatty acids in adipocytes are actively oxidized. This process can be regulated by altered physiological conditions or by insulin. Over time, it is possible that a small shift of fatty acids toward oxidation could have a significant impact on body fuel economy. This hypothesis needs to be tested.

Leptin stimulates uncoupling protein-2 mRNA expression and Krebs cycle activity and inhibits lipid synthesis in isolated rat white adipocytes

The treatment of rats and mice with leptin causes dramatic body fat reduction and in some cases even disappearance of fat tissue. Here, we report the effects of leptin (10 and 100 ng.mL-1) on isolated rat adipocytes maintained for 15 h in culture. Leptin decreased the incorporation of acetate into total lipids by 30%. A reduction in this incorporation (42%) was still observed after the leptin-cultivated adipocytes were exposed to a supra-physiological insulin concentration (10 000 microU.mL-1). On the other hand, leptin increased acetate degradation by 69% and the maximal activity of citrate synthase by 50% in isolated adipocytes. It also increased oleate degradation by 35 and 50% at concentrations of 10 and 100 ng. mL-1, respectively. Eventually, leptin upregulated the uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) mRNA level by 63% and had no effect on uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) mRNA in isolated adipocytes. The upregulation of UCP2 mRNA might have contributed to the stimulation of acetate and fatty acid degradation by leptin. The peripheral effects of leptin observed in this study are in line with the general energy dissipating role postulated for this hormone and for UCP2. They suggest mechanisms by which adipocytes regulate their fat content by an autocrine pathway without the participation of the central nervous system.

Effect of beta-adrenoceptor blockade on postexercise oxygen consumption and triglyceride/fatty acid cycling

In the recovery period after strenuous exercise, there is increased O2 uptake, termed the excess postexercise O2 consumption (EPOC). One of the mechanisms suggested to explain EPOC is activation of the triglyceride/fatty acid (TG/FA) cycle by catecholamines. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selective beta1- and nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade on EPOC and the TG/FA cycle. Seven healthy young men each participated in three control and three exercise experiments in a randomized and balanced sequence. In the exercise experiments, subjects exercised for 90 minutes at 58% +/- 2% (mean +/- SD) of maximal O2 uptake on a cycle ergometer, followed by a 4.5-hour bedrest. The control experiments followed the same protocol, but without exercise. In one control and one exercise experiment, the selective beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (0.062 mg.kg(-1) body weight) was administered intravenously immediately after the exercise (EXAT) and at the corresponding time in the rest-control experiment (REAT). In a second set of control and exercise experiments, the nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (0.15 mg.kg(-1) body weight) was administered (REPRO and EXPRO). In a third set of rest and exercise experiments, an injection of saline was given instead of beta-antagonist (RE and EX). TG/FA cycling was calculated by combining results obtained with a two-stage glycerol infusion and indirect calorimetry. O2 uptake was significantly increased above control levels throughout the recovery period after exercise with the nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, beta1-adrenoceptor antagonist, and saline. However, there was no difference between the time course or magnitude of EPOC in the three situations. After 4.5 hours of bedrest, the mean increase in O2 uptake was 8% to 9% in all three conditions. TG/FA cycling was increased after exercise, but no effects of beta-antagonists were observed. We conclude that EPOC and the rate of TG/FA cycling are not attenuated by selective beta1- or nonselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade after an acute prolonged exercise protocol.

Fat cells

The adipocyte is a metabolically active cell that functions to store energy for times of energy deprivation or enhanced need. Obesity is characterized by increased lipid accumulation and turnover compared with the nonobese state. Both triglyceride synthesis and lipolysis are regulated metabolic processes in the adipocyte. Current research on the metabolic 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-sensitive lipase in response to stimulation of adrenergic receptors. These topics are discussed in relationship to the development of obesity.

Regulation of lipid metabolism in adipose tissue during early starvation

We studied changes in lipid metabolism in adipose tissue in 24 healthy adults during early starvation (14-20 h) by cannulating the venous drainage of the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the anterior abdominal wall. Net nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) efflux from adipose tissue increased steadily from 1,790 +/- 300 to 2,360 +/- 290 nmol.100 g-1.min-1 (P = 0.03), due to increasing transcapillary efflux of NEFA (release from adipocytes; P < 0.01). The reesterification rate after an overnight fast was close to zero; thus, reduction in the rate of reesterification played no part in the increased transcapillary efflux of NEFA. One-quarter of the net efflux of NEFA after an overnight fast arose from the action of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), although this relative contribution decreased during the study (P < 0.02). The increased transcapillary efflux of NEFA reflected a significant increase in the rate of action of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL; P = 0.03). There was a strong relationship between mean arterial NEFA concentration and net NEFA release from adipose tissue (P < 0.001), implying that the particular depot studied reflects the behavior of adipose tissue as a whole. Thus the increasing efflux of NEFA from adipose tissue observed during early starvation is due to an increased rate of action of HSL, which may in turn be regulated by a fall in the plasma insulin concentration.

Esterification of fatty acids by bovine intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues

Exogenous fatty acid esterification in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues from 72-hr fasted or ad libitum fed Angus cattle was investigated. Intramuscular (interfascicular) and subcutaneous adipose tissue snips were obtained from the longissimus dorsi muscle and were incubated with radioisotopically labeled fatty acids (palmitate, stearate, oleate, linoleate or linolenate) at three different concentrations (0.3 mM, 0.6 mM and 2.0 mM) to assess rates of fatty acid incorporation into glycerolipids. Rates of fatty acid esterification in vitro increased with fatty acid concentration in both intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. For all of the fatty acids investigated, triglycerides were the predominant products (60-85%). Subcutaneous adipose tissue had larger adipocytes and more actively (P less than 0.05) esterified fatty acids, with the exception of palmitate, than intramuscular adipose tissue. The rate of palmitate esterification was not different between tissues, although intramuscular adipose tissue esterified a greater proportion (P less than 0.10) of palmitate as triglyceride (85%) than did subcutaneous adipose tissue (75%). Relative rates of incorporation of fatty acids into lipids in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues were: palmitate greater than linolenate greater than linoleate greater than stearate. In general, 72-hr fasting did not significantly reduce the rates of fatty acid incorporation in bovine adipose tissues. Results of this study revealed that:i) rates of exogenous fatty acid incorporation into adipose tissue lipids were dependent on the medium fatty acid concentration and adipose tissue depot; and ii) the relative esterification rates of the various fatty acids in vitro did not necessarily reflect the proportion of these fatty acids in bovine adipose tissues.

Triglyceride/fatty acid cycling is increased after exercise

After exercise, there is a prolonged increase in O2 consumption termed the excess postexercise O2 consumption (EPOC). In this study, we have assessed the relative contribution of the triglyceride/fatty acid (TG/FA) substrate cycle to EPOC. Six healthy, young men exercised for 2 hours at 51% of maximal O2 uptake. The total energy expenditure and the rate of FA oxidation were estimated from measurements of O2 uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, and urinary nitrogen excretion while the subjects rested in bed for 3.5 hours postexercise. During the last part of the recovery period, the rate of FA mobilization was determined by infusion of glycerol. The rate of TG/FA cycling was calculated from the difference between the rate of FA mobilization and oxidation. An identical control study without exercise was also performed. The total EPOC during the recovery period was 7.82 +/- 1.51 L O2 (a 15% +/- 3% increase above the control O2 consumption). The rate of FA oxidation increased from 252 +/- 36 mumol/min (control) to 360 +/- 27 mumol/min (3 hours postexercise). The rate of FA mobilization increased from 666 +/- 108 mumol/min (control) to 1833 +/- 456 mumol/min (3 hours postexercise). TG/FA cycling was found to increase from 414 +/- 90 mumol FA/min (control) to 1473 +/- 435 mumol FA/min (3 hours postexercise). The energy cost of these rates of TG/FA cycling was found to be 0.09 +/- 0.02 kJ/min (control) and 0.31 +/- 0.09 kJ/min (3 hours postexercise). It is concluded that the energy cost of the increased TG/FA cycling rate may account for as much as half of the delayed component of EPOC.

Arteriovenous differences across human adipose and forearm tissues after overnight fast

Measurements of arteriovenous differences across subcutaneous abdominal tissue (mainly adipose) and deep forearm tissue (mainly muscle) were made on 25 occasions in normal subjects after an overnight fast. Adipose tissue was shown to be strongly lipolytic (releasing nonesterified fatty acids and glycerol), to clear circulating triacylglycerol, glucose, ketone bodies and acetate, and to produce lactate. Uptake of circulating carbohydrate and ketones was sufficient to account for only 51% of the adipose tissue oxygen consumption, implying that adipose tissue utilizes fuel(s) stored within it. The mean fractional re-esterification rate of fatty acids in adipose tissue was 13% to 19%. Arteriovenous differences were converted to fluxes of carbon atoms to compare the movements of different fuels. (Amino acids were not included in these calculations.) Adipose tissue after an overnight fast was a net exporter of carbon, whereas in resting muscle the uptake of carbon atoms from circulating carbohydrate and lipid fuels approximately balanced the CO2 production. Fatty acids were the main form in which carbon left adipose tissue, and the main source of carbon atoms entering the resting forearm.

Substrate cycling between triglyceride and fatty acid in human adipocytes

Substrate cycles in metabolism require energy and generate heat, and they may be involved in thermogenesis. We have studied one such cycle between triglyceride and fatty acid in isolated human adipocytes using a nonisotopic technique. In the absence of added hormone, and with 5 mmol/L (90 mg/dL) glucose in the incubation medium, lipolysis and fatty acid reesterification coexisted such that 40 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM) of the fatty acid produced was cycled back into triglyceride. In 51 individual subjects the range was from 0% to 100%. Both lipolysis and the quantity of fatty acid recycled correlated positively with cell volume (P less than .001 and P less than .005, respectively). Norepinephrine (10(-6) mol/L) alone (33 experiments) increased lipolysis 3.1-fold, and reduced the percentage of fatty acid reesterified. Cycling was similar to that in the basal state. Lipolysis was inhibited 46% by postabsorptive levels of insulin alone (18 experiments), but the proportion of fatty acid reesterified increased such that the quantity cycled back into triglyceride was similar to that observed in the basal state. In the presence of both norepinephrine and insulin (18 experiments), lipolysis was increased by 58% while 31 +/- 4% of the fatty acid released was reesterified. In consequence, the quantity of fatty acid cycled back into triglyceride increased 2.1-fold. Increasing the insulin level fivefold or the medium glucose concentration to 20 mmol/L produced no further increase in the quantity of fatty acid reesterified. A substrate cycle exists, therefore, between triglyceride and fatty acid in human adipose tissue, and its activity is modified by norepinephrine and insulin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The utilization by rabbit aorta of carbohydrates, fatty acids, ketone bodies, and amino acids as substrates for energy production

The ability of rabbit aorta to oxidize various substrates was studied to determine which of these compounds may be energy substrates for vascular smooth muscle (VSM). Glucose, ketone bodies, medium-chain length fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, and glutamine all are oxidized at comparable rates on a molar basis. Some other amino acids, long chain fatty acids, pyruvate and glycerol also are oxidized, but at lower rates. The oxidation of 6 amino acids could not be detected. VSM was found to release ketone bodies when incubated in leucine beta-hydroxybutyrate or octanoate. This suggests that the acetoacetyl CoA and/or acetoacetate derived from these substrates is not completely oxidized. The oxidation rate of several substrates when measured individually is inhibited by 50-80% by the presence of a combination of other substrates in the medium. Under these conditions, glucose is a minor substrate for oxidative metabolism accounting for only 5% of O2 consumption. The oxidation rate of all the exogenous substrates together is calculated to account for less than half of the oxygen consumption; this finding indicates that an endogenous substrate must also be utilized.