melanin-concentrating hormone (PMCH, MCH, NEI, NGE)

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Function

derived from precursor pro-MCH
may act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in a broad array of neuronal functions directed toward the regulation of goal-directed behavior, such as food intake, & general arousal
may also have a role in spermatocyte differentiation
differentially processed in the brain & in peripheral organs producing two neuropeptides;
- neuropeptide glutamic acid-isoleucine (NEI)
- melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)
- third peptide, NGE, may also be produced
preferential processing in neurons by prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) generates NEI
MCH is generated in neurons of the lateral hypothalmus by several prohormone convertases including PC1/3, PC2 & PC5/6

predominantly expressed in lateral hypothalamus
also detected in pallidum, neocortex & cerebellum
also found in thymus, brown adipose tissue, duodenum & testis (spermatogonia, early spermatocytes & Sertoli cells)
no expression in peripheral blood
in brain exclusively mature MCH & NEI peptides are present
in peripheral tissues a large product, encompassing the NEI & MCH domains of the precursor, is found predominantly