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A method for study of the rat epididymal fat pad in vitro is described, in which perfusion via the internal spermatic artery is employed. The time interval between the stoppage of the blood flow and the establishment of the perfusion is less than 30 sec. Observations of perfusion pressure, flow rate, tissue edema, and oxygen consumption indicate that this system can be used to study the metabolism of adipose tissue. The sensitivity of the method with respect to free fatty acid release stimulated by epinephrine and ACTH is greater than that of incubated tissue, probably because of the increase in surface area of the fat cells exposed to the medium