The function of adipocytes interspersed between myofiber fasciculi in skeletal muscle physiology and physiopathology is poorly documented. Since regional differences in adipocyte features have been reported in various species, we hypothesized that lipid metabolism and secretory function of intramuscular (IM) adipocytes differ from that of non-muscular adipocytes. In the present study, adipocytes isolated from trapezius muscle were compared to subcutaneous and perirenal adipocytes in growing pigs. Between 80 and 210 days of age, gene expressions and/or activities of enzymes involved in lipogenesis or lipolysis were much lower (P < 0.05) in adipocytes isolated from muscle than in those from other locations. Insulin-induced lipogenesis and lipolytic efficiency after catecholamine addition were also the lowest (P < 0.05) in IM adipocytes. In these cells, the age-related increase (+300%) in the ratio of mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase to hormone sensitive lipase paralleled the enlargement of adipocyte diameters (+70%, P < 0.05) and the increase in lipid content in muscle (+135%, P < 0.05) during growth. Expressions of genes coding for leptin, adiponectin, IGF-I, as well as for various hormonal receptors were lower (P < 0.05) in IM adipocytes than in other adipocytes, whereas levels of TNF-alpha mRNA did not differ between sites. Interestingly, IGF-II mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) in IM adipocytes than in other adipocytes. These data support the view that IM fat is not just an ectopic extension of other fat locations, but displays specific biological features during growth.