Adipocytes

Human subcutaneous adipocytes are often used as the model system to test materials for their ability to induce lipolysis.  These cells are derived from preadipocytes, which have a fibroblast like morphology.  Upon treatment with media supplemented with insulin, dexamethasone, indomethacin a isobutyl methylxanthine the preadipocytes will differentiate into mature adipocytes and begin to accumulate intracellular vesicles filled with triglycerides.  Adipocytes can be stained with Oil Red O to visualize the triglyceride filled vesicles.