Abstract
Summary
Adipose tissue biopsies from infants and children ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years were examined. The composition of the adipose tissue was determined and the percentage of noncollagen protein computed. Duplicate adipose tissue samples were used for fat cell number determinations according to the method of Hirsch and Gallian (3). A highly significant (p < .001) positive correlation was found between the percentage of noncollagen protein (NCP) and the cell number per gram of tissue. This correlation may be improved by direct measurement of isolated fat cell protein. The regression equation can be an aid in prediction of total body fat cell number when body fat is known.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the surgical assistance of Dr. G. N. Peters and J. J. White, and the technical assistance of Miss Rachel Scott and Mrs. E. Higginbottom.
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