The gene expression of proteins involved in adipose tissue metabolism was compared among rats fed a low-fat diet (2% safflower oil), and high-fat diets containing 20% saturated fat (palm oil) or unsaturated fat rich in linoleic acid (safflower oil) for 3 weeks. High-fat diets decreased the lipoprotein lipase mRNA level in the epididymal but not in the perirenal white adipose tissue. Leptin gene expression in the perirenal but not in the epididymal white adipose tissue was significantly higher in rats fed high-fat diets than in those fed a low-fat diet. mRNA levels of glucose transporter 4, both in the epididymal and perirenal white adipose tissues, were lower in rats fed high-fat diets than in those fed a low-fat diet. High-fat diets increased the gene expression of uncoupling protein 1 and lipoprotein lipase in the interscapular brown adipose tissue, but did not affect that of leptin. Adipose tissue mRNA levels of various proteins were comparable between rats fed diets high in safflower and palm oil. We concluded that the high-fat diet influenced the gene expression in adipose tissue in a site-specific manner. The difference in the degree of unsaturation of dietary fats was rather irrelevant in modifying the level of mRNAs for proteins related to energy metabolism and expenditure in adipose tissue.