Further insights into the neurobiology of melanin-concentrating hormone in energy and mood balances

Abstract

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a critical hypothalamic anabolic neuropeptide, with key central and peripheral actions on energy balance regulation. The actions of MCH are, so far, known to be transduced through two seven-transmembrane-like receptor paralogues, named MCH1R and MCH2R. MCH2R is not functional in rodents. MCH1R is an important receptor involved in mediating feeding behaviour modulation by MCH in rodents. Pharmacological antagonism at MCH1R in rodents diminishes food intake and results in significant and sustained weight loss in fat tissues, particularly in obese animals. Additionally, MCH1R antagonists have been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent numerous pieces of evidence showing that pharmacological blockade at MCH1R could be a potential treatment for obesity and its related metabolic syndrome, as well as for various psychiatric disorders.

Keywords::

• antagonist
• anxiety
• depression
• energy regulation
• melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)
• MCH receptor
• MCH1R
• MCH2R
• obesity
• stress

Acknowledgements

The author is very thankful to Dr Ron A. Leslie, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada for helpful comments on the manuscript. The author wishes to express his thanks to Christophe Macquet, MSc, Patent Attorney, Christophe Macquet & Co., www.macquet-associes.com, Sophia.Antipolis, France, for Information Management.

This manuscript has been published out of respect for the memory of Dr Guillaume J Hervieu, with kind permission from his family. The Editors wish to express their sympathy to his family and colleagues.