Differentiation and de-differentiation of buffalo adipose tissue

Differentiation and de-differentiation processes in buffalo adipose were studied under in vitro conditions using pre-adipocytes and adipocytes respectively. In culture medium comprising DMEM medium, 15% FCS, 100 mu g/ml streptomycin, and 100 IU/ml penicillin, pre-adipocytes at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2 level converted into fibroblast like structures. Prolong culturing of these cells resulted in coalescing of small size droplets into large size droplets. The process of differentiation leading to synthesis of lipid was induced by methylisobutyxanthine, tri-iodothyronine and insulin. Dedifferentiation was studied in isolated adipocytes. Culturing of these cells in presence of insulin and triiodothyronine resluted in appearance of small-size lipid droplets in cytoplasm and formation of new protrusions also filled with lipid droplets. The results suggested that buffalo adipose tissue under in vitro culture conditions can undergo process of differentiation and de-differentiation. The developed culture system for buffalo adipose tissue can be exploited for understanding the role of various factors in differentiation and dedifferentiation process.