The presence of UCP1 demonstrates that metabolically active adipose tissue in the neck of adult humans truly represents brown adipose tissue
Marche Polytechnic University · Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona · +1 more institution
Abstract
ABSTRACT Classically, adult humans have been considered not to possess active brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, positron‐emission‐tomography has shown fluorodeoxyglucose uptake that is distributed in such a way ( e.g. , in the neck) that it would seem to be BAT. Until now this has not been supported by direct evidence that these areas truly represented BAT, that is, the presence of the BAT‐unique uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP1). Samples of adipose tissue from the neck of 35 patients undergoing surgery for thyroid diseases were obtained and analyzed. In 1/3 of the subjects (the younger and leaner), distinct islands composed of UCP1 immunoreactive brown adipocytes could clearly be discerned, accounting for up to…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 33.55
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 15
Authors
8Topics & keywords
- Brown adipose tissue
- Adipose tissue
- White adipose tissue
- Thermogenin
- Adipocyte
- Internal medicine
- Endocrinology
- Biology
- Life below water