The specific structure of compounds effecting fat mobilization in man.

Both epinephrine and norepinephrine enhance the process of fat mobilization. This property of promoting lipolysis has been observed both in vitro by demonstrating the release of free fatty acids (FFA) and glycerol from adipose tissue within the medium, and in vivo by the increase in the levels of plasma FFA in the fasted, resting individual (1-3). It was the intent of this study to determine whether the property of lipolysis was a singular characteristic of epinephrine and norepinephrine or whether other catechols and other vasoactive substances also could promote fat mobilization. It is known that a certain structureactivity relationship exists for the various sympathomimetic compounds as well as for other classes of drugs. It was of interest to determine whether lipolysis was also dependent upon a specific chemical structure.