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Published on: November 27, 2019
Chronic MCH infusion causes a decrease in energy expenditure and body temperature, and an increase in serum IGF-1
Moran Glick1, Gabriella Segal-Lieberman, Rotem Cohen
1Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
Endocrine
|October 28, 2009
Summary
Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) regulates energy balance by increasing food intake and body weight. Chronic MCH infusion in mice decreased energy expenditure and body temperature, impacting the GH-IGF-1 axis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is implicated in energy expenditure, but its effects in wild-type (WT) mice are not well understood.
- Previous in vitro studies suggest MCH directly stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion from pituitary cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic central MCH infusion on energy homeostasis in WT mice.
- To explore the impact of MCH on the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH-IGF-1) axis in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Mice received intracerebroventricular infusions of MCH for 14 days.
- Measurements included food intake, body weight, fat mass, body temperature, energy expenditure, and plasma IGF-1 levels.
Main Results:
- Chronic MCH infusion significantly increased food intake, body weight, fat mass, and plasma IGF-1 levels.
- MCH infusion led to decreased body temperature and energy expenditure.
- These findings suggest MCH influences energy balance and the GH-IGF-1 axis.
Conclusions:
- MCH is a key regulator of energy homeostasis, influencing appetite, energy expenditure, and body weight.
- MCH integrates energy balance with neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormones, including GH.
- MCH's role in GH regulation may contribute to its effects on body weight.
