Characterization of the multiple-chamber perifused fat cell system.

A multiple-chamber perifused fat cell system is described. Six chambers containing fat cells were perifused in parallel with buffer. Perifusate was collected for assay of glycerol as an index of lipolytic rates and cells in each chamber can be taken for analysis of biochemical intermediates. The system is so designed that drugs can be infused into the buffer and equally distributed in each chamber or can be individually infused into the buffer to one chamber, allowing for six different conditions to be tested in the same population of fat cells. The time and distribution characteristics of infused material are described. Time relationships are described for isoproterenol and glycerol release and for cyclic AMP levels in the fat cells, and the dose-response relationship between isoproterenol and glycerol release is shown.