Adipose as an endocrine organ
In addition to its primary role in storage, adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ in the body, producing and responding to hormonal signals and critical in the cross-talk between metabolic organs which govern energy homeostasis. Adipocytes secrete bioactive peptides (adipokines and adipocytokines) which can act locally (autocrine/paracrine) or systemically. Adipose also possesses a complex receptor profile which allows it to respond to endocrine and nervous input. Finally, adipocytes are able to exert fine control over endocrine signalling through their enzyme machinery, important in the metabolism of hormones, particularly steroid hormones. Our understanding of the equine adipocyte endocrine profile is more limited than that of humans or rodents but some data exist.