3T3-L1 cells and perivascular adipocytes are not equivalent in amine transporter expression.

Rat perivascular adipose tissue ( PVAT) stores, takes up, and releases norepinephrine ( NE; Ayala-Lopez et al. (2014) Pharmacol Res Perspect 2, e00041). We hypothesized that 3T3-L1 adipocytes would exhibit similar behaviors and, thus, could serve as a model for PVAT adipocytes. However, basal levels of NE were not detected in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. While incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with exogenous NE increased their cellular NE content, the mRNA expression of several NE transporters [e.g., norepinephrine transporter ( NET)] were not detected in these cells. Similarly, we observed expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter 1 ( VMAT1) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by qRT- PCR and immunostaining, but stimulation of the cells with tyramine (100 μ m) did not cause a significant release of NE. These studies support that 3T3-L1 adipocytes are not an adequate model of perivascular adipocytes for studying NE handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]