Brown adipocytes of sucrose-overfed rats treated with corticosterone: A stereological and ultrastructural study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of short-term corticosterone treatment on brown adipo­cytes of rats overfed with sucrose. Ultrastructural and stereological analysis showed that brown adipocyte components responded to the applied treatment in conformity with their own dynamics and affinity. Although brown adipocytes generally corresponded to thermogenically active cells, some signs of supression of that function, such as mitochondrial degradation and a pattern of lipid accumulation, were noticeable. Taken together, the presented results indicate that a high carbohydrate diet delays the expected inhibitory influence of corticosterone on brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. For the full expression of corticosterone effects, longer treatment is needed.

Keywords

• Brown adipocytes
• sucrose
• corticosterone
• ultrastructure
• stereology