Description
Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (MCH) is a cyclic neuropeptide that belongs to the melanin-concentrating hormone family. It is isolated initially from salmon pituitary gland and later from rat hypothalamus. MCH is predominantly expressed in lateral hypothalamus, it is also detected in pallidum, neocortex and cerebellum. In mammals, MCH perikarya are confined largely to the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta area with extensive neuronal projections throughout the brain, including the neurohypophysis. The anatomic distribution suggests MCH may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in a broad array of neuronal functions directed toward the regulation of goal-directed behavior, such as food intake, and general arousal. It may also play a role in spermatocyte differentiation