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Fig. 4 | BMC Research Notes

Fig. 4

From: Melanocortin agonists stimulate lipolysis in human adipose tissue explants but not in adipocytes

Fig. 4

An overview of melanocortin receptor (MCR)-mediated lipolysis in intact human white adipose tissue (WAT). It is hypothesised that MC4/5R mRNA is expressed on nerve terminals innervating WAT. α-MSH from the circulation or from ectopic production binds to MC4/5R, which increase the release of noradrenalin from the terminal. Stimulated β1–3-adrenergic receptors couple to Gαs and downstream adenylate cyclase leading to increased intracellular cAMP and activation of protein kinase A (PKA). The induction of lipolysis mediated by MC4R and MC5R is suggested to be dependent on neuronal innervation via noradrenalin release, since co-incubation of propranolol (non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) inhibits NEFA release

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