User:Choalberto/Borrador

MCH neurons

These are a population of neurons that are expressed exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and that may mediate the known LH function on food intake and reward. Because there are more than one peptidergic neuron in the LH, like orexin neurons that are completely different from MCH neurons, it is important to be able to differentiate this two neurons population. MCH cell can be identified by their unique electrophysiological characteristic. Using pathc clamp recordings, a typical MCH neuron do not displays Ih current or rebound depolarization, but shows a strong spike adaptation in response to a series of current injection pulses (fig. 1)

. These electrophysiological characteristic were confirm by immunohistochemistry made after recording.

These cells produce a neuropeptide named melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), from were came the name of this neurons. MCH neuropeptide induces feeding and an suppress energy expenditure when overexpressed or injected centrally On the contrary, MCH neurons knockout mice are hypophagic and lean. MCH is also know to mediate responses to rewarding stimuli such as food and alcohol