Adrenergic control of lipolysis in adipocytes of several mammalian species.

The effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic drugs on catecholamine- and theophylline-induced lipolysis were studied in isolated adipocytes of hamsters, mice, guinea-pigs, gerbils and cats. The ability of the beta-blocker propranolol to diminish the lipolytic rate indicates the presence of beta-adrenergic receptors. Lipolysis was also decreased by the alpha-agonists clonidine and phenylephrine, suggesting the existence of alpha-adrenergic receptors.