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Published on: May 3, 2012
Effects of MCH and a MCH1-receptor antagonist on (palatable) food and water intake
Céline Morens1, Pia Nørregaard, Jean-Marie Receveur
1Department of Neuroendocrinology, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is a regulator of ingestive behavior, but several issues regarding its effects on specific components of ingestive behavior remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we injected, in the 3rd ventricle of male Wistar rats, saline, MCH (5 microg), MCH (5 mug) together with a MCH1-R antagonist (A, 10 microg) and the antagonist alone (A, 10 microg). Our results show that (1) central administration of MCH stimulates food intake (lab chow and medium high fat diet) and this can be blocked by a MCH1-R antagonist; (2) the MCH-induced increase in food intake is mediated through increased meal number, meal duration and meal size; (3) the MCH1-R antagonist is able to significantly reduce the intake of a highly palatable food (condensed sweet milk) and is more effective in blocking MCH-induced food intake when rats are fed a palatable medium high fat food; and (4) MCH stimulated water intake independently from and disproportionately to food intake. In conclusion, our results point to an involvement of endogenous MCH in the enhanced intake of palatable food. Furthermore, they confirm that MCH stimulates not only food intake but also water intake.
Insights
Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) stimulates food and water intake. Blocking its receptor (MCH1-R) reduces palatable food consumption, indicating MCH
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) regulates ingestive behaviors.
- Specific effects of MCH on feeding components require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MCH in regulating food and water intake.
- To determine the involvement of MCH receptor 1 (MCH1-R) in MCH's effects.
Main Methods:
- Central administration of MCH and/or MCH1-R antagonist in Wistar rats.
- Assessment of food intake (lab chow, high-fat diet, palatable food) and water intake.
- Analysis of meal parameters (number, duration, size).
Main Results:
- Central MCH administration significantly increased food and water intake.
- MCH-induced hyperphagia was blocked by the MCH1-R antagonist.
- The antagonist reduced palatable food intake, particularly with high-fat diets.
- MCH stimulated water intake independently of food intake.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous MCH plays a role in the enhanced intake of palatable foods.
- MCH signaling via MCH1-R regulates both food and water consumption.
- MCH influences multiple components of ingestive behavior, including meal patterns.
