Lipoprotein lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase activities during maturation of ob17 preadipocytes.

Lipoprotein lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase activities of developing ob17 preadipocytes were assayed through the selective inhibition of the former activity by 0.4% Triton X-100. After confluence both enzymes rose tao a peak activity around 13--15 days which was enhanced in insulin-treated cells. Inclusion of differentiation-blocking agents (bromodeoxyuridine, prostaglandin F2 alpha and bovine retinal extract) in the culture medium led in both enzymes to levels similar to those obtained in exponentially growing cells, in contrast to unspecific monoester hydrolase. Marked changes in the relative proportion of released to intracellular lipoprotein lipase activities were observed during adipose conversion. Our studies indicate that lipoprotein lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase are integral part of the program of differentiation of adipose cells.