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I. Frequently Asked Questions about Fatty Acid Metabolism

Importance of Fatty Acids Importance of Fatty Acids: Answer     Role of CoA Role of CoA: Answer     Essential Fatty Acids Essential Fatty Acids: Answer     Fatty Acid Structure Fatty Acid Structure: Answer     Fatty Acid Nomenclature Fatty Acid Nomenclature: Answer     Fatty Acyl Chain Growth Fatty Acyl Chain Growth: Answer     Fatty Acid Mobilization Fatty Acid Mobilization: Answer     Fatty Acid Activation Fatty Acid Activation: Answer     Transport into Mitochondria Transport into Mitochondria: Answer     Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation Synthesis <I>vs.</I> Beta-Oxidation: Answer     Ketone Bodies Ketone Bodies: Answer     Regulation of Ketone Body Production Regulation of Ketone Body Production: Answer     Previous Page Next Page

Fatty Acid Mobilization: Answer

How are fatty acids released from adipose tissue?

Fatty acids are released from adipose by hydrolysis of their stored form, triacylglycerol. Hydrolysis is initiated by activation of the hydrolytic enzyme, hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). HSL is a phospho-dephospho enzyme which is active in the phospho- form. Phosphorylation of HSL is stimulated by the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and ACTH. These hormones bind to the surface of the adipocyte, where they activate adenyl cyclase, initiating a typical c-AMP-mediated phosphorylation cascade, terminating with phosphorylation of HSL. After release from adipocytes, unesterified fatty acids are transported in the blood bound to serum albumin to tissues such as liver, heart and muscle, where they are taken up and oxidized.

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