The effects of exercise and dietary restriction on the activities of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase in superficial, intra-abdominal and intermuscular adipose tissue of guinea-pigs.

1. The activities per gram of adipose tissue of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase were higher in the centre two intermuscular adipose depots of guinea-pigs than in any of the seven superficial and intra-abdominal depots studied. 2. The capacity for glucose utilization was reduced following about 3 months of regular exercise in all adipose depots studied except in the popliteal depot. The proportion of lipid decreased, and that of protein increased, in this intermuscular depot following regular, strenuous exercise, but it did not enlarge disproportionately. 3. We suggest that certain intermuscular adipose depots may act as a local energy source for adjacent muscles. The anatomical relations of adipose tissue to muscle may be an integral part of its physiological function.