Differences in beta-adrenergic receptor densities in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese African American and Caucasian women.

African American women lose less weight and at a slower rate than Caucasian women under the same weight loss conditions. This is likely due to decreased mobilization of fat, possibly involving differences in the responsiveness of adipose tissue to adrenergic stimulation. To better understand the causes behind the decreased lipolysis in African American women, this study was initiated to determine if there were differences in the numbers and affinities of beta adrenoreceptors in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese African American and Caucasian women.