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.[1] Because there are more than one peptidergic neuron in the LH, like orexin neurons that are completely different from MCH neurons [2][3], 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)
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Finger from a MCH neuron using hole cell patch clamp -
Finger print from a orexin neuron using same technique
[4]. 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 [5][6][7][8][9][10] On the contrary, MCH neurons knockout mice are hypophagic and lean. [11] MCH is also know to mediate responses to rewarding stimuli such as food and alcohol [12][13]
References
edit- ^ Nahon J. L (1994) The Melanin concentrating hormone: from the peptide to the gen. Crit Rev Neurobiol 8: 221-262
- ^ Elias et al. (1998)
- ^ Broberger et al. (1998)
- ^ Alberto et al,. The Journal of Neuroscience, September 27, 2006, 26(39):10043-10050; doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1819-06.2006
- ^ Ito et al.,2003
- ^ Ludwig et al., 2001
- ^ Nahon J. L (1994) The Melanin concentrating hormone: from the peptide to the gen. Crit Rev Neurobiol 8: 221-262
- ^ Qu et al., 1996
- ^ Rossi et al., 1999
- ^ Shimada et al ., 1998
- ^ Shimada et al.,1998
- ^ Duncam et al., 2005
- ^ Georgescu et al., 2005