J Lipid Res
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The aim of this study was to define the role of the alpha-adrenergic receptor in the regulation of lipolysis by human adipocytes. Glycerol production by isolated human adipocytes was stimulated by the pure beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol in a dose-dependent fashion. ⋯ Whereas the attenuation of beta-adrenergic agonist-stimulated lipolysis by alpha-adrenergic agonists was reversed completely by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine, the alpha 1-antagonist prazosin did not reverse such attenuation. It is concluded that alpha-adrenergic agonists act as antilipolytic agents in human adipocytes and that this action may result from the interaction of these compounds with a population of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.