Inhibition of fatty acid mobilization by arterial free fatty acid concentration

Subcutaneous, inguinal adipose tissue from dogs was perfused with blood in which the free fatty acid (FFA) concentration was varied corresponding to FFA/albumin molar ratios between 1 and 6. Otherwise the composition of the perfusate was kept constant. In order to stimulate lipolysis, isoprenaline and theophyllamine were added to the perfusate. A raise in arterial FFA/albumin molar ratio was without influence on lipolysis (as reflected in the release of glycerol), but reduced the FFA release indicating an increased re-esterification. At FFA/albumin ratios above 3 a marked increase in vascular resistance was seen. This increase was partly reversible within the time of a perfusion. When lipolysis is stimulated in the intact organism, the effects of increasing arterial FFA/albumin ratio on re-esterification and vascular resistance may serve as feedback mechanisms regulating FFA mobilization.