Search

Among several potential animal models that can be used for adipogenic studies, Wagyu cattle is the one that presents unique molecular mechanisms underlying the deposit of substantial amounts of intramuscular fat. As such, this review is focused on current knowledge of such mechanisms related to adipose tissue deposition using Wagyu cattle as model. So abundant is the lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscles of these animals that in many cases, the muscle cross-sectional area appears more white (adipose tissue) than red (muscle fibers). This enhanced marbling accumulation is morphologically similar to that seen in numerous skeletal muscle dysfunctions, disease states and myopathies; this might indicate cross-similar mechanisms between such dysfunctions and fat deposition in Wagyu breed. Animal models can be used not only for a better understanding of fat deposition in livestock, but also as models to an increased comprehension on molecular mechanisms behind human conditions. This revision underlies some of the complex molecular processes of fat deposition in animals.

If one were to compare today's animal growth research to research from a mere 50 yr ago, one would see programs with few similarities. The evolution of this research from whole-animal through cell-based and finally molecular and genomic studies has been enhanced by the identification, isolation, and in vitro evaluation of adipose- and muscle-derived stem cells. This paper will highlight the struggles and the milestones that make this evolving area of research what it is today. The contribution of adipose and muscle stem cell research to development and growth, tissue regeneration, and final carcass composition are reviewed.

A feeding trial was designed to examine the effects of copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO(4).5H(2)O) on the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability in muscle and adipose tissues of Boer x Spanish goat kids. Fifteen (n = 5 per treatment) goats were fed 0, 100, or 200 mg of supplemental Cu per day as copper sulfate for 98 d. The animals were slaughtered, and LM, s.c. adipose from the sternal region, and mesenteric adipose tissues were collected. Total lipids were extracted with chloroform:methanol (2:1), methylated and isolated via GLC from all tissues. The subsequent peaks were then positively identified by mass spectrometry. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured also. In s.c. adipose, dietary Cu significantly decreased C14:0 (P = 0.03) and C16:0 (P = 0.01). In muscle, C15:0 (P = 0.03) was linearly increased by Cu. Dietary Cu supplementation did not influence oxidative stability in goat muscle or s.c. adipose. Copper supplementation at 200 mg/d resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde in mesenteric adipose (P = 0.01) compared with the 0 or 100 mg/d groups. These results indicate that lipid composition may differ from depot to depot and that depending on the depot, dietary Cu seems to elicit a variable response on the fatty acid composition.

Thirty-two pigs (average weight, 74 kg) were used to determine the effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) and dietary CP concentration on carcass and noncarcass tissues. Pigs were injected intramuscularly with either rpST (50 micrograms.kg BW-1.d-1; n = 16) or vehicle (n = 16) at 0900 for 24 d. Half the treated and control pigs were given ad libitum access to either a 14 or 20% CP corn-soybean meal diet. The left side of the carcass was physically dissected into separable skin, soft tissues, and bone. Tissue samples were obtained for enzyme assays, proximate analysis, and fatty acid profiles. Proximate analysis (fat, water, protein) of adipose tissue (AT) samples indicated that rpST decreased the percentage of ether extractable lipid (P < .01) and increased the percentage of protein and water (P < .05, P < .01) in intermuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and intrafascicular (IF) AT depots and slightly altered fatty acid profiles of longissimus muscle IF and SC AT. Fatty acid synthesis and malic enzyme activity were decreased by rpST (P < .01), suggesting that lipogenesis was decreased; however, lipolysis was unaffected. Pigs fed the high-CP diet (20%) had decreased AT malic enzyme activity (P < .05) and fatty acid synthesis (P < .05). Additionally, pigs fed the high-CP diet had greater kidney weights (P < .01). Heart, liver, and kidney weights were heavier (P < .01) in pigs treated with rpST, whereas skin and total bone weight were unaffected. Neither weights nor lengths of four individual long bones were affected by dietary protein concentration or administration of rpST.

1. Using epinephrine plus propranolol we demonstrated alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AR) activity (49% inhibition of theophylline stimulated lipolysis) in adipocytes of adult intact male pigs (61 kg body wt and 97 microns adipocyte diameter). 2. Dose titration with an alpha 2AR antagonist (yohimbine) confirmed alpha 2AR associated activity. 3. No alpha 2AR activity was observed in younger male or castrated male pigs. 4. The inhibitory action on lipolysis via the alpha 2AR in pigs is dependent on androgen status and adipocyte size or age.

The stable adipogenic cell line TA1 was investigated as a potential in vitro system to examine effects of beta-adrenergic agonists on lipid metabolism at the cellular level. Initial experiments were conducted to establish whether dexamethasone, indomethacin, or both in combination induce rapid differentiation of TA1 preadipocytes to adipocytes. Based on activity of fatty acid synthase, dexamethasone and indomethacin, individually and in combination, were observed to induce differentiation in TA1 cells at different rates (dexamethasone/indomethacin greater than indomethacin greater than dexamethasone). Dexamethasone/indomethacin induced complete differentiation in TA1 cells 4 days after confluence, as indicated by increased activity of fatty acid synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and malic enzyme. Finally, mature TA1 adipocytes were treated with various concentrations of isoproterenol and ractopamine to determine the responsiveness of TA1 adipocytes to a beta-adrenergic challenge. Glycerol release was increased and fatty acid synthase activity was decreased in a dose-dependent manner for both isoproterenol and ractopamine. These results indicate that fully differentiated TA1 adipocytes may be useful to study direct cellular effects of lipolytic and lipogenic agents on lipid metabolism.

1. Two populations of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) subtypes and their proportions were characterized in adipocytes isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue of castrated male crossbred pigs (60-85 kg). 2. Specific binding of the radioligand 125I-iodopindolol (IPIN) to crude plasma membranes (70-90% of total binding) reached equilibrium conditions in 30 min (38 degrees C), was tissue concentration-dependent, stereospecific and saturable (bmax = 168 +/- 5.8 fmol/mg protein). 3. Displacement curves by ICI 89,406 were best-fit by a two site model (P less than 0.01) that indicated the presence of two receptor populations and selectivity of IPIN for the beta 2AR subtype. 4. Forty-five percent of the receptors had a high affinity for ICI 89,406, Ki = 2.27 +/- 0.68 nM and were classified as beta 1AR.