Abstract
To investigate the expression of the endocannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors by human adipocyte cells of omental and subcutaneous fat tissue, as well as to determine whether these receptors are functional. The expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors on human adipocytes was analyzed by western blotting, immunohistology and immunocytology. We also investigated intracytoplasmic cyclic AMP level modulation following CB1 and CB2 receptor stimulation by an enzymatic immuno assay. All mature adipocytes, from visceral (epiploon) and subcutaneous fat tissue, express CB1 and CB2 on their plasma membranes. We also demonstrate in this study that adipocyte precursors (pre-adipocytes) express CB1 and CB2 on their plasma membranes and that both receptors are functional. Activation of CB1 increases intracytoplasmic cyclic AMP whilst CB2 activation leads to a cyclic AMP decrease. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, that adipocytes of human adipose tissue (mature adipocytes and pre-adipocytes) express functional plasma membrane CB1 and CB2 receptors. Their physiological role on the adipose tissue is not known. However, their major involvement in the physiology of other tissues leads us to suppose that they could play a significant role in the homeostasis of the energy balance and/or in the regulation of adipose tissue inflammation.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the plastic surgeons J.F. Baron, P. Delarue and J. Gonçalves who took part in this study and allowed the collection of subcutaneous adipose tissue samples; the gastrointestinal surgeons Y. Haffaf, A. Munstun and T. Aziz who took part in this study and allowed the collection of visceral adipose tissue samples; the CHD Félix Guyon Hospital, Reunion Island, for welcoming our research team, as well as for all of the technical services placed at our disposal; The Ministry of National Education and of Research, as well as the Overseas Ministry of the French State for their financial support; The Regional Council, also for their financial support. Finally all patients who consented to the collection of peri-operative tissue samples and thus made this study possible.
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Roche, R., Hoareau, L., Bes-Houtmann, S. et al. Presence of the cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in human omental and subcutaneous adipocytes. Histochem Cell Biol 126, 177–187 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-005-0127-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-005-0127-4