Cold-induced thermogenesis requires neutral-lipase-mediated intracellular lipolysis in brown adipocytes

Long-chain fatty acids (FAs) are the major substrates fueling brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Investigation of mouse models has previously called into question the contribution of brown adipocyte intracellular lipolysis to cold-induced non-shivering thermogenesis. Here, we determined the role of the lipolytic enzymes, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), in BAT thermogenesis. Brown fat from mice with inducible brown-adipocyte-specific deletion of ATGL and HSL (BAHKO) is hypertrophied with increased lipid droplet size and preserved mitochondria area and density. Maintenance of body temperature during cold exposure is compromised in BAHKO mice in the fasted but not in the fed state. This altered response to cold is observed in various thermal and nutritional conditions. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography using [11C]-acetate and [11C]-palmitate shows abolished cold-induced BAT oxidative activity and impaired FA metabolism in BAHKO mice. Our findings show that brown adipocyte intracellular lipolysis is required for BAT thermogenesis.