MCH melanin concentrating

K, diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance organic-water partitioning coefficient Ku, diffuse attenuation coefficient for upwelling irradiance LMW, low molecular weight LUMO, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital MAA, mycosporine-like amino acid MCH, melanin-concentration hormone MDR, mean damage ratio MPB, microphytobenthos... 

The lateral hypothalamic area has been identified as a feeding centre by studies involving electric stimulation and discrete lesions. Neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area and the neighbouring perifornical area express neuropeptides that stimulate feeding when injected into cerebral ventricles (orexins 1 and 2, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)). 

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic neuropeptide of 19 amino acids. It is involved in the modulation of feeding behavior. Its actions are mediated by G-protein coupled receptors (MCH1 and MCH2). 

Figure 1.6 (A) Changes in c-Fos IR in hypocretin/orexin(HCRT+)- containing neurons in response to BIC treatment as a function of distance from the microdialysis probe. The percentage of double-labeled cells was greatest closer to the probe (grids 1 and 2, compared with 3 and 4) and was greater with higher concentrations or exposure times. Contralateral cells were not affected. (B) Much lower percentages of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH+) exhibited c-Fos IR activation in response to BIC. From Alam et al. (2005).

Saito, Y., Cheng, M., Leslie, F. M. Civelh, O. (2001). Expression of the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor mRNA in the rat brain. J. Comp. Neurol 435, 26-40. 

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) acts as a functional antagonist to melanocyte stimulating hormone (see below) (Truant et al. 1972). Direct injection of MCH into the lateral ventricle of laboratory animals leads to an immediate increase in food intake. 

Hudson, S., Kiankarimi, M., Rowbottom, M. W. et al. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of retro bis-aminopytroUdine urea (rAPU) derived small-molecule antagonists of the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCH-Rl). Part 2. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2006,16, 4922-4930. 

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