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The Link between Lymphatic Function and Adipose Biology
Author(s) -
Harvey Natasha L.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1413.007
Subject(s) - adipose tissue , lymphatic system , inflammation , biology , function (biology) , pathology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , endocrinology
Despite observations of a link between lymphatic vessels and lipids that date as far back as 300, a link between lymphatic vessels and adipose tissue has only recently been recognized. This review will summarize documented evidence that supports a close relationship between lymphatic vessels and adipose tissue biology. Lymphatic vessels mediate lipid absorption and transport, share an intimate spatial association with adipose tissue, and regulate the traffic of immune cells that rely on specialized adipose tissue depots as a reservior of energy deployed to fight infection. Important links between inflammation and adipose tissue biology will also be discussed in this article, as will recent evidence connecting lymphatic vascular dysfunction with the onset of obesity. There seems little doubt that future research in this topical field will ensure that the link between lymphatic vascular function and adipose tissue is firmly established.