Desensitization of beta-adrenergic responses in adipocytes involves receptor subtypes and cAMP phosphodiesterase.

Acute exposure of isolated adipocytes to isoproterenol induces the desensitization of lipolytic responses to norepinephrine and selective beta 1-, beta 2- and beta 3-adrenoceptor agonists, as well as the adrenocorticotropic hormone 1-24 fragment (ACTH). Forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP responses are also desensitized. When lipolysis was measured in the presence of OPC 3911 [N-cyclohexyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl-4(6-(1,2-dihydro-2- oxoquinolyloxy))butyramide], a specific inhibitor of the cAMP phosphodiesterase of adipocytes, the desensitization of all lipolytic agents--except the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist--was abolished. Isoproterenol induced a similar loss (35%) of both membrane beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors and an uncoupling of beta 1-adrenoceptors, but did not modify the weak coupling of control beta 2-adrenoceptors. These data suggest that isoproterenol induced (i) an activation of the cAMP phosphodiesterase, which is solely responsible for the desensitization of norepinephrine response as well as beta 1- and beta 3-adrenoceptor mediated responses and (ii) an additional desensitization of the sole beta 2-adrenergic signaling system which suggests a subtype-selective pattern of regulating processes.