Table 1.
Evolution of perspectives on the physiological functions and characteristics of brown adipose tissue.
| Year | Function |
|---|---|
| 1551 | Description by Gessner—role in hibernation |
| 1670-1817 | Part of the thymus |
| 1817-1863 | An endocrine gland—and active in the formation of blood |
| 1863-1902 | Modified form of fat tissue which serves as a reservoir for food substances |
| 1902-1961 | An endocrine gland once more |
| 1961- | Thermogenic organ—non-shivering thermogenesis |
| 1974-7 | Elucidation of unique bioenergetic properties of brown fat mitochondria (proton leak) |
| 1976-8 | Discovery of UCP1 |
| 1978 | Demonstration of quantitative importance to non-shivering thermogenesis in cold-acclimated rodents |
| 1978/9- | Involved in energy balance (diet-induced thermogenesis) and obesity |
| 2009- | Definitive identification of BAT in adult humans and its metabolic plasticity |
| 2010/12 | Discovery of “beige”/“brite” adipocytes |
| 2011/12 | Role in glucose disposal and triglyceride clearance – metabolic homeostasis |
Based partly on Afzelius (1970).