The melanin-concentrating hormone system in human, rodent and avian brain

Abstract

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic 19 amino acid orexigenic hypothalamic peptide. MCH is located in the lateral and dorsal hypothalamus, as well as in the zona incerta. In mammals MCH increases food intake, contributes to regulation of energy balance, temperature, reproductive function, endocrine homeostasis and biological rhythms. Several studies have proved the significance of MCH in obesity, diabetes and depression.

Keywords

• melanin-concentrating hormone (mch)
• mch receptors
• neuroanatomy
• avians
• mammals