Effects of hypothyroidism on the mesenteric and omental adipose tissue in rats

Abstract

To characterize the influence of hypothyroidism on the endocrine activity of mesenteric and omental adipose tissue (MOAT) and the peripheral regulation of energy balance (EB) in rats, we analyzed food intake (FI); basal metabolic rate (BMR); locomotor activity; body weight (BW); serum hormone concentrations and the expression of their receptors in MOAT. Also, we evaluated the morphology and differentiation of adipocytes. Hypothyroidism decreased FI, BMR, BW and body length. The percentage of WAT depots and the morphology of adipocytes were similar to euthyroid rats. Leptin and adiponectin expressions in MOAT were altered by hypothyroidism. The expression of Perilipin A1, HSL, UCP1 and PRDM16 was significantly lower in MOAT of hypothyroid animals. Hypothyroidism in rats leads to a compensated EB by inducing a white adipocyte dysfunction and a decrease in BW, BMR, FI and adipokine secretions without changing the percentage of WAT depots and the morphology of the MOAT.