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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Melanocortin 4 receptors in autonomic neurons regulate thermogenesis and glycemia
Eric D Berglund1, Tiemin Liu1, Xingxing Kong2
11] Division of Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. [2].
Abstract:
Whether melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4Rs) in extra-hypothalamic neurons, including cholinergic autonomic pre-ganglionic neurons, are required to control energy and glucose homeostasis is unclear. We found that MC4Rs in sympathetic, but not parasympathetic, pre-ganglionic neurons were required to regulate energy expenditure and body weight, including thermogenic responses to diet and cold exposure and 'beiging' of white adipose tissue. Deletion of Mc4r genes in both sympathetic and parasympathetic cholinergic neurons impaired glucose homeostasis.
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