Peptides. 2009 Nov;30(11):2031-9. Epub 2009 Jun 11.
Melanin-concentrating hormone producing neurons: Activities and modulations.

Guyon A, Conductier G, Rovere C, Enfissi A, Nahon JL.
Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Univrsité de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Valbonne, France. alice.guyon@ipmc.cnrs.fr
Abstract

Regulation of energy homeostasis in animals involves adaptation of energy intake to its loss, through a perfect regulation of feeding behavior and energy storage/expenditure. Factors from the periphery modulate brain activity in order to adjust food intake as needed. Particularly, "first order" neurons from arcuate nucleus are able to detect modifications in homeostatic parameters and to transmit information to "second order" neurons, partly located in the lateral hypothalamic area. These "second order" neurons have widespread projections throughout the brain and their proper activation leads them to a coordinated response associated to an adapted behavior. Among these neurons, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) expressing neurons play an integrative role of the various factors arising from periphery, first order neurons and extra-hypothalamic arousal systems neurons and modulate regulation of feeding, drinking and seeking behaviors. As regulation of MCH release is correlated to regulation of MCH neuronal activity, we focused this review on the electrophysiological properties of MCH neurons from the lateral hypothalamic area. We first reviewed the knowledge on the endogenous electrical properties of MCH neurons identified according to various criteria which are described. Then, we dealt with the modulations of the electrical activity of MCH neurons by different factors such as glucose, glutamate and GABA, peptides and hormones regulating feeding and transmitters of extra-hypothalamic arousal systems. Finally, we described the current knowledge on the modulation of MCH neuronal activity by cytokines and chemokines. Because of such regulation, MCH neurons are some of the best candidate to account for infection-induced anorexia, but also obesity.

PMID: 19524001 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

--------------

Int Rev Cytol. 2002;213:233-77.
Cell and molecular cell biology of melanin-concentrating hormone.

Griffond B, Baker BI.
Laboratoire d'Histologie, Faculté de Médecine, Place St-Jacques, Besançon, France.
Abstract

Recent advances in the study of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) have depended largely on molecular biological techniques. In mammals, which have attracted the most attention, novel findings concern (i) the MCH gene, which can yield several peptides by either posttranslational cleavage or alternative splicing, as well as bidirectional transcription; (ii) the identification of two G protein-coupled MCH receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues; and (iii) the evidence for subpopulations of MCH neurons in the central nervous system, characterized by their chemical phenotypes, connections, and individual physiological responses to different physiological paradigms. The involvement of central MCH in various functions, including feeding, reproduction, stress, and behavior patterns, is reviewed. The stage during evolution at which MCH may have acquired hypophysiotrophic and hormonal functions in lower vertebrates is considered in light of morphological data. Evidence that MCH also has peripheral paracrine/autocrine effects in mammals is provided.

PMID: 11837894 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

==============
removed last one because it was over my head.- more than usual that is.