MCH and MCH Receptor - FocusOn 009

Introduction

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic neuropeptide (human/rat 19 aa) that regulates a variety of functions in mammalian brain, in particular feeding behavior. MCH is synthesized in mainly in the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta. MCH stimulates feeding, its level is unregulated in the hypothalamus of genetically obese mice, and mice lacking MCH eat less and are lean. MCH is thought to influence feeding and energy balance by acting downstream of leptin and the melanocortin system.

MCH Receptor type 1 (MCH-R1) is predicted to contain 7 transmembrane domains, a feature typical of G-protein coupled receptors. It is primarily expressed in the ventromedial and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus. MCH-RI binds Melanin-concentrating hormone with sub-nanomolar affinity, and is stimulated by MCH to mobilize intracellular Ca and reduce forskolin-elevated cAMP levels.

MCH Receptor type 2 (MCH-R2) shares considerable homology with MCH-R1. Like MCH-R1, it binds MCH with high affinity. However, reports indicate that signaling through this receptor is pertussis insensitive, contrary to MCH-R1.

Antibody Tools for Detection of Melanin Concentrating Hormone and MCH-Receptor

Acris Antibodies offers a panel of polyclonal antibodies to MCH, MCH-Receptor 1 and MCH-Receptor 2 (MCHR1 and MCHR2) for use in immunohistochemistry or other immunological detection methods like ELISA or Western blot.

Fig.1: Parafffin sections of human brain stained with anti MCHR1 antibody SP4317P

Fig.2: Frozen sections of mouse brain stained with BP4000 (anti MCHR1)

Fig.1: BP4005 (anti MCHR2 antibody)

Available antibody panel to MCH and MCH Receptor

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), Melanin Concentrating Hormone Receptor Type I ( MCH Receptor 1 / MCH-RI / MCHRI / MCHR1), Melanin Concentrating Hormone Receptor Type II antibody ( MCH Receptor 2 / MCH-RII / MCHRII / MCHR2).