Effect of Castration and Anatomical Site on the Plasma Membrane Structure and the Activities of Adenylate Cyclase and 5'-Nucleotidase in Pig Adipocytes

Summary The effects of castration on fat cell plasma membrane structure and enzyme activities (adenylate cyclase and 5'-nucleotidase) were studied in pig adipose tissues in two fat deposits (subcutaneous and perirenal). Castration induced a fat cell enlargement in both tissues. Membrane cholesterol content was reduced and fluidity was increased in perirenal fat from castrated animals. Castration had no effect on 5'-nucleotidase activity which was higher in subcutaneous than in perirenal in both kinds of animals. Adenylate cyclase activity was studied in the presence of different effectors: isoproterenol-stimulations of the enzyme were not affected by castration but were site-specific. GppNHp-stimulated activities were increased in subcutaneous fat from castrated animals. Castration had no influence on forskolin stimulations. The magnitude of GppNHp- and forskolin-stimulated activities were found to be tissue-dependent. Membrane results are discussed in relation with castration-induced fat cell enlargement.