Vasodilator signals from perivascular adipose tissue.

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Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies propose a paracrine role for periadventitial adipose tissue in the control of arterial vascular tone. This regulation depends on the anatomical integrity of the vessels and involves a transferable mediator(s) (adipokine) released from either periadventitial adipocytes or perivascular adipose tissue. Although a number of adipokines with vasoactive properties have been identified, a still unidentified adipocyte-derived relaxing factor (ADRF) plays a major role in the periadventitial vasoregulation of visceral arteries, such as the aorta and mesenteric arteries. ADRF is released by visceral periadventitial adipocytes and primarily produces endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by opening voltage-dependent (K(v) ) K(+) channels in the plasma membrane of smooth muscle cells. At least in part, KCNQ (K(v) 7) channels could represent the subtype of K(v) channels involved. Glibenclamide-sensitive K(ATP) channels are not involved or play a minor role. The 'third gas', namely H(2) S, could represent ADRF. Alterations in the paracrine control of arterial tone by visceral periadventitial adipose tissue have been found in animal models of hypertension and metabolic disease. ADRF, or perhaps its putative targets, might represent exciting new targets for the development of drugs for treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

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This article is part of a themed section on Fat and Vascular Responsiveness. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-3.