Adipose tissue and liver fatty acid synthesis following adrenalectomy in diabetic rats.

The effects of adrenal removal on adipose tissue and liver lipogenesis was examined in rats with severe alloxan diabetes of relatively long (two weeks) standing. In vivo studies with 3H2O showed that 24 h after adrenal removal there was a marked improvement of adipose tissue lipogenesis by diabetic rats. Rates of fatty acid synthesis were 103% higher in adrenalectomized rats than in sham-operated controls. Incorporation of 3H from tritiated water into fatty acids by adipose tissue in vitro was 53% higher in adrenalectomized rats than in controls. Rates of liver fatty acid synthesis did not differ significantly in the two experimental groups. The data show that adrenal removal can produce rapid and marked increases in lipogenic rates even when the metabolic derangements induced by insulin deficiency in adipose tissue are well established.