Insulin-induced iron loading in the rat brown adipose tissue: Histochemical and electron-microscopic study

Abstract

In the present study we have reported an iron-loading in the rat brown adipose tissue (BAT) after 3-day treatment with insulin (4 IU/kg). Light microscopy showed numerous ironpositive cells (Perls' stain) mainly macrophages and brown adipocytes, while electron-microscopic examination revealed lipofuscin granules and phagosomes as iron-containing components. These results clearly indicate that iron participates in damaging of brown adipocytes.