ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of catecholamines on human preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Catecholamines (epinephrine, isoprenaline and noradrenaline) were added to the culture media of human preadipocytes. The proliferation of cells, the expression of GPDH and lipid droplet accumulation in cytoplasm were observed and recorded. The functions of alpha and beta receptors were examined with adding alpha and beta receptor blockers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Epinephrine and isoprenaline stimulated human preadipocyte proliferation and inhibited GPDH up-regulation during differentiation. The three types of catecholamines inhibited lipid accumulation in cell differentiation. The beta-adrenoceptors played a key role during the process.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Human preadipocytes responded to catecholamine characteristically. The result would be applicable in the study of drugs for obesity.</p>