melanin-concentrating hormone


melanin-concentrating hormone

A cyclic 19-residue orexigenic hypothalamic neuropeptide, which plays a key role in regulating feeding behaviour, mood, the sleep-wake cycle and energy balance. It also has an autocrine role in regulating beta-cell mass dynamics and pancreatic islet cell secretion. Overexpression of MCH is associated with obesity; MCH knockout mice are underweight.