[Regulation of lipolysis--biochemical research on the fat cells of obese patients].

Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from ten obese patients. Isolated fat cells were incubated with porcine beta-lipotropin but no stimulation of lipolysis was obtained. To avoid accumulation of lipolysis inhibiting substances, such as free fatty acids and adenosin, as well as protease activity, perifusion of isolated fat cells was carried out. Under these test conditions, which allow continuous determination of released glycerol, lipolytic activity could be shown for the peptide hormone beta-lipotropin in human adipocytes.