Enhancement in Cholesterol-Esterase Activity and Lipolysis due to 17β-Estradiol Treatment in Rat Adipose Tissue

The effects of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone administration on cholesterol esterase, lipoprotein lipase activities and adrenalin-induced lipolysis were examined in rat adipose tissues with the change in serum lipid level. The administration of 17 beta-estradiol (500 micrograms/kg, 2 or 4 weeks) to male rats significantly reduced the body weight, and markedly increased serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols and phospholipids. Cholesterol esterase activity was significantly enhanced in the epididymal adipose tissue from estradiol treated rats and the effect was greater with duration of the treatment. In contrast, lipoprotein lipase activity was markedly reduced. Testosterone reduced cholesterol esterase activity in the parametrial adipose tissue through the treatment with 500 micrograms/kg for 6 weeks, but it did neither influence serum lipids nor lipoprotein lipase activity. Basal lipolysis and adrenalin-induced lipolysis were also significantly enhanced in the epididymal adipose tissue from the male rat treated either with 7 mg/kg estradiol 12 h ahead or with 500 micrograms/kg estradiol for 2 weeks. These results indicate that estradiol exerts strong effects on metabolism of the adipose and these effects seems to be mediated through cyclic-AMP. An alteration of adrenergic functions by gonadal steroids might be intervened.