Figure 5

Differential distribution of crown-like structures (CLS) in the epididymal fat. The densities of CLS in the epididymal fat from lean (A-D) and diet-induced obese (E-H) mice (n = 10 per group) are shown. The density of CLS in the rostral, medial, and caudal epididymal fat was compared between lean and obese mice (I-K). Ultrastructural examination demonstrated a delicate interstitium in the epididymal fat from lean mice (L). In obese mice, the expanded interstitial space contained macrophages (arrowheads), many of which enveloped scattered adipocytes forming CLS (stars) (M). While many macrophages were packed with lipid droplets (N), some were multinucleated (O). Scale bars: 50 μm or as indicated. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.