The main focus of this book is on brown adipose tissue and its metabolic function. The book provides a timely update on the latest research and shows where the field is heading. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy and has received considerable attention in the last few years, having been re-discovered in adult humans in 2007/9. Moreover, BAT might offer a target for novel therapies to address obesity, a health condition that has reached pandemic dimensions.

New Perspectives in Adipose Tissue: Structure, Function and Development reviews the state of knowledge on adipose tissue. The book begins with discussions of the anatomy and morphology of adipose tissue. This is followed by separate chapters on the nervous control of circulation and metabolism in white adipose tissue; hormonal regulation of biosynthetic activities in white adipose tissue; hormonal control of lipid degradation; and plasma membrane properties and receptors in white adipose tissue. Subsequent chapters cover topics such as lipoproteins and adipose tissue; brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and energy balance in animals and man; methodological approaches to the study of the adipose tissues; adipose tissue growth following lipectomy; the adipocyte precursor cell; and adipose tissue dysfunction and its consequences. In addition to being authoritative source material, the chapters presented in this book are wide in their coverage and appeal.

The scientific advances in the physiology and pathophysiology of adipose tissue over the last two decades have been considerable. Today, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis are well known. In addition, adipose tissue is now recognized as a real endocrine organ that produces hormones such as the leptin acting to regulate food intake and energy balance in the central nervous system, a finding that has completely revolutionized the paradigm of energy homeostasis. Other adipokines have now been described and these molecules are taking on increasing importance in physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, numerous works have shown that in obesity, but also in cases of lipodystophy, adipose tissue was the site of a local low-grade inflammation that involves immune cells such as macrophages and certain populations of lymphocytes. This new information is an important step in the pathophysiology of both obesity and related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Finally, it is a unique and original work focusing on adipose tissue, covering biology and pathology by investigating aspects of molecular and cellular biology, general, metabolic, genetic and genomic biochemistry.

The radical expansion and revision of techniques and experimental approaches employed in the study of adipose tissue are reflected in this revised book. Several updated chapters are combined with many new contributions from internationally recognized experts. Conventional and state-of-the-art methodologies are covered, as well as whole animal, cellular and molecular approaches which have emerged in or been extended to adipose tissue research over the past few years. This revised all-in-one manual is essential reading for newcomers to this burgeoning area as well as a valuable volume for more experienced researchers.

Published in 1981: The main topic of the book is the growth of white adipose tissue as a whole as well as the level of the local fat depots.

Adipose tissue is recognized to be exquisitely sensitive to hormone action, and is also now recognized as a secretory and endocrine organ required for reproduction and good health. Adipocytes are “smart” cells able within the tissue to communicate with surrounding cells, but also with various organs, particularly via leptin acting on the central nervous system. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to be distinct tissues, whereas the heterogeneity of WAT depots is well est- lished. Unfortunately, excess WAT leads to obesity, which is the most common health problem in industrialized countries. Therefore, from both a scientific and a technical point of view, the time has come to create a survey of adipose tissues and their neglected adipocytes. In Adipose Tissue Protocols, I have attempted to gather together chapters from all areas of adipose tissue research—from in vivo to in vitro studies—and to provide methods covering a wide variety of techniques, including the choice of adipose tissue depot and of morphological techniques for the study of BAT and WAT; the isolation, subcellular fractionation, and transfection of adipocytes where the low density of these cells must be taken into account; assays of nutrient and ion fluxes and the metabolic aspects of nutrient uptake; assays of lipid-related enzymes; biopsies and quantification of lipid-related mRNAs; cultures of adipose precursor cells from WAT and BAT of various species, including human tissue; measurements of adipose secretory products; and assessment of WAT metabolism in vivo.

This timely and most comprehensive reference available on the topic covers all the different aspects vital in the fight against the global obesity epidemic. Following a look at adipose tissue development and morphology, the authors go on to examine its metabolic and endocrine functions and its role in disease. The final section deals with comparative and evolutionary aspects of the tissue. The result is an essential resource for cell and molecular biologists, physiologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and those working in the pharmaceutical industry.