Melanin-concentrating hormone functions in the nervous system: food intake and stress

Is melanin-concentrating hormone in the medial preoptic area a signal for the decline of maternal care in late postpartum?

This manuscript proposes that melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an neurochemical signal evolved to trigger the declining process of maternal care. MCH in the MPOA appears only after parturition and is progressively increased with the progression of lactation, while maternal behavior declines progressively. Intra-MPOA injection of MCH decreases active maternal responses. MCH is also highly responsive to infant characteristics and maternal condition. Behavioral changes induced by MCH in late postpartum period are conducive to the decline of infant-directed maternal behavior. The MPOA MCH system may mediate the maternal behavior decline by suppressing the maternal approach motivation and/or increasing maternal withdrawal via its inhibitory action onto the mesolimbic dopamine D1/D2 receptors and its stimulating action on serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral tegmental area. Research into the MCH maternal effects will enhance our understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the maternal behavior decline.

Melanin-concentrating hormone regulation by estradiol and progesterone in the incerto-hypothalamic area

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a peptide related to the reproductive function by interacting with the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition to the MCH central production, it is also found in the blood with a putative role as a neurohormone. Thereby, our focus is on steroid hormones' role in regulating centrally produced MCH in the incerto-hypothalamic area (IHy) and the peripheral MCH in the serum. For this, we investigated the effect of estradiol and/or progesterone injection on the number of MCH immunoreactive (MCH-ir) neurons at the IHy and serum levels. For further study of the role of progesterone, we analyzed the effect of blockade of progesterone receptors by its antagonist on MCH-ir neurons at the IHy and serum. To identify whether such regulation over MCH is established before sexual maturation, we assessed the effect of peripubertal removal of steroid hormones on MCH-ir neurons at the IHy and serum levels at adult age. Our results show that injecting estradiol in ovariectomized female rats reduces the number of MCH-ir neurons in the IHy, in addition to its serum levels. Blockade of progesterone receptors in intact females increases the number of MCH-ir neurons in the IHy and its serum concentration. The regulation of these hormones over the MCH peptidergic system is established before sexual maturation, once the peripubertal removal of the ovaries changes the serum levels of MCH and the number of MCH-ir neurons in the IHy of adult females. Such results support the inhibitory role of steroid hormones over the MCH system.

Restored TDCA and valine levels imitate the effects of bariatric surgery

Background

Obesity is widespread and linked to various co-morbidities. Bariatric surgery has been identified as the only effective treatment, promoting sustained weight loss and the remission of co-morbidities.

Methods

Metabolic profiling was performed on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, lean mice, and DIO mice that underwent sleeve gastrectomies (SGx). In addition, mice were subjected to intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections with taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and valine. Indirect calorimetry was performed to assess food intake and energy expenditure. Expression of appetite-regulating hormones was assessed through quantification of isolated RNA from dissected hypothalamus tissue. Subsequently, i.p. injections with a melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) antagonist and intrathecal administration of MCH were performed and weight loss was monitored.

Results

Mass spectrometric metabolomic profiling revealed significantly reduced systemic levels of TDCA and L-valine in DIO mice. TDCA and L-valine levels were restored after SGx in both human and mice to levels comparable with lean controls. Systemic treatment with TDCA and valine induced a profound weight loss analogous to effects observed after SGx. Utilizing indirect calorimetry, we confirmed reduced food intake as causal for TDCA/valine-mediated weight loss via a central inhibition of the MCH.

Conclusions

In summary, we identified restored TDCA/valine levels as an underlying mechanism of SGx-derived effects on weight loss. Of translational relevance, TDCA and L-valine are presented as novel agents promoting weight loss while reversing obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

Funding

This work has been supported in part by a grant from NIH (UO-1 A1 132898 to S.G.T., DP and MA). M.Q. was supported by the IFB Integrated Research and Treatment Centre Adiposity Diseases (Leipzig, Germany) and the German Research Foundation (QU 420/1-1). J.I. was supported by the Biomedical Education Program (BMEP) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). T.H. (HE 7457/1-1) and F.K. (KR 4362/1-1) were supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG). H.R.C.B. was supported the Swiss Society of Cardiac Surgery. Y.N. was supported by the Chinese Scholarship Council (201606370196) and Central South University. H.U., T.M. and R.M. were supported by the Osaka Medical Foundation. C.S.F. was supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG, SFB738, B3).

Proteomic Analysis of Tear Film Obtained from Diabetic Dogs

Simple Summary

Canine diabetes is a serious disease, which can lead to severe complications, eventually even death. Currently, all the diagnostic procedures are the invasive ones, with blood collection remaining as a golden standard for both initial diagnosis, and later follow-up. Tears can be obtained in a non-invasive manner, which makes them a perfect candidate for a screening tool in canine diabetes. In this study we aimed to analyze the protein composition of the tears collected from the healthy animals and compared it to the diabetic group. There are significant differences between these two groups, and we believe that the identified proteins hold promise as a potential diagnostic tool, which can be later on used both in clinical practice, and for better understanding of the disease.

Abstract

Canine diabetes mellitus is a significant health burden, followed with numerous systemic complications, including diabetic cataracts and retinopathy, leading to blindness. Diabetes should be considered as a disease damaging all the body organs, including gastrointestinal tract, through a complex combination of vascular and metabolic pathologies, leading to impaired gut function. Tear film can be obtained in a non-invasive way, which makes it a feasible biomarker source. In this study we compared proteomic changes ongoing in tear film of diabetic dogs. The study group consisted of 15 diabetic dogs, and 13 dogs served as a control group. After obtaining tear film with Schirmer strips, we performed 2-dimensional electrophoresis, followed by Delta2D software analysis, which allowed to select statistically significant differentially expressed proteins. After their identification with MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption and ionisation time of flight) spectrometry we found one up-regulated protein in tear film of diabetic dogs—SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1). Eight proteins were down-regulated: phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase type 2 alpha (PI4KIIα), Pro-melanin concentrating hormone (Pro-MCH), Flotillin-1, Protein mono-ADP ribosyltransferase, GRIP and coiled coil domain containing protein 2, tetratricopeptide repeat protein 36, serpin, and Prelamin A/C. Identified proteins were analyzed by Panther Gene Ontology software, and their possible connections with diabetic etiopathology were discussed. We believe that this is the first study to target tear film proteome in canine diabetes. We believe that combined with traditional examination, the tear film proteomic analysis can be a new source of biomarkers both for clinical practice, and experimental research.

Dihydropyrimidinones Scaffold as a Promising Nucleus for Synthetic Profile and Various Therapeutic Targets: A Review

BACKGROUND

This review elaborates the updated synthetic and pharmacological approaches of a known group of dihydropyrimidinones/thiones from the multi-component reaction like Biginelli reaction, which was named Pietro Biginelli in 1891. This review consists of the reaction of an aromatic aldehyde, urea and ethyl acetoacetate leading to dihydropyrimidinone/thione. Currently, the scientific movement to develop economically viable green methods using compounds that are reusable, non-volatile, easily obtained, etc. Objective: This review covers the recent synthesis and pharmacological advancement of dihydropyrimidinones/ thiones moiety, along with covering the structure-activity relationship of the most potent compounds, which may prove to become better, more efficacious and safer agents. Thus, this review may help the researchers in drug designing and development of new Dihydropyrimidinones entities.

CONCLUSION

This review focuses on the wide application of dihydropyrimidinone/thione review reports the design, synthesis and pharmacological activities of nitrogen-sulphur containing dihydropyrimidinone moiety by using multi-component reaction. Dihydropyrimidinones (DHPM) pharmacophore is an important heterocyclic ring in medicinal chemistry. It is derived from multi-component reactions, "Biginelli reaction" and plays a critical role as anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV-1, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and anti-tubercular agents. Exhaustive research has led to its vast biological profile, with a wide range of therapeutic application.

Carvone Decreases Melanin Content by Inhibiting Melanoma Cell Proliferation via the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) Pathway

Melanin, which determines the color of the skin and hair, is initially synthesized to protect the skin from ultraviolet light; however, excessive melanin pigmentation caused by abnormal cell proliferation can result in various melanocytic lesions. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is known to regulate cell cycle progression and consequently to inhibit the division of abnormally proliferating cells. In this work, we aimed to test whether carvone, a scent compound from plants, inhibits proliferation and subsequently reduces melanin content of melanoma cells and to determine whether its beneficial effects are mediated by the cAMP pathway. We found that carvone decreases melanin content and inhibits melanoma cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, it inhibited the activation of cell cycle-associated proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Of note, the beneficial effects of carvone were abrogated by cAMP inhibition. Our findings indicate potential benefits of carvone for the treatment of melanomas and presumably other hyperpigmentation-related dermatological disorders such as melasmas, lentigines, and excessive freckles.

Theranostic radioiodine-labelled melanin nanoparticles inspired by clinical brachytherapy seeds

Radioiodine is widely used in nuclear medicine, mainly serving as a tracer and therapeutic agent, and benefits from its various radioactive isotopes of iodine including I-123, I-124, I-125, I-131 and so on. Melanin is a natural material widely dispersed in the human skin, hair and eyes. The excellent biocompatibility and multifunctional abilities of melanin make it a perfect carrier for biomedical applications. Here, we fabricated theranostic radioiodine-labelled melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) through a novel Ag-I two-step method. The Ag-I labelling method for MNP radioiodine-labelling has advantages including a faster labelling time, higher labelling yield, and higher stability than the chloramine-T oxidation method reported previously. The obtained MNP-Ag-¹³¹I can be used for both single-photon emission computed tomography and Cherenkov radiation imaging. The β-rays of ¹³¹I also make it a good candidate as a cancer cell killer. The theranostic properties of this nanoparticle were also proved in a xenograft tumor model in vivo. In summary, this study provides a new concept for radioiodine labelling nanoparticles, which can be further investigated in various imaging and radiotherapy applications with different radioactive isotopes of iodine.

Nicotinic Cholinergic System in the Hypothalamus Modulates the Activity of the Hypothalamic Neuropeptides During the Stress Response

BACKGROUND

The hypothalamus harbors high levels of cholinergic neurons and axon terminals. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play an important role in cholinergic neurotransmission, are expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus. Accumulating evidence reveals a regulatory role for nicotine in the regulation of the stress responses. The present review will discuss the hypothalamic neuropeptides and their interaction with the nicotinic cholinergic system. The anatomical distribution of the cholinergic neurons, axon terminals and nicotinic receptors in discrete hypothalamic nuclei will be described. The effect of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission and nicotine exposure on hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis regulation at the hypothalamic level will be analyzed in view of the different neuropeptides involved.

METHODS

Published research related to nicotinic cholinergic regulation of the HPA axis activity at the hypothalamic level is reviewed.

RESULTS

The nicotinic cholinergic system is one of the major modulators of the HPA axis activity. There is substantial evidence supporting the regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, most of the studies showing the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides have employed systemic administration of nicotine. Additionally, we know little about the nicotinic receptor distribution on neuropeptide-synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamus and the physiological responses they trigger in these neurons.

CONCLUSION

Disturbed functioning of the HPA axis and hypothalamic neuropeptides results in pathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders and obesity, which are common and significant health problems. A better understanding of the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides will aid in drug development and provide means to cope with these diseases. Considering that nicotine is also an abused substance, a better understanding of the role of the nicotinic cholinergic system on the HPA axis will aid in developing improved therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation.

Sex-biased transcriptomic response of the reproductive axis to stress

Stress is a well-known cause of reproductive dysfunction in many species, including birds, rodents, and humans, though males and females may respond differently. A powerful way to investigate how stress affects reproduction is by examining its effects on a biological system essential for regulating reproduction, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Often this is done by observing how a stressor affects the amount of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol or corticosterone, circulating in the blood and their relationship with a handful of known HPG-producing reproductive hormones, like testosterone and estradiol. Until now, we have lacked a full understanding of how stress affects all genomic activity of the HPG axis and how this might differ between the sexes. We leveraged a highly replicated and sex-balanced experimental approach to test how male and female rock doves (Columba livia) respond to restraint stress at the level of their transcriptome. Females exhibit increased genomic responsiveness to stress at all levels of their HPG axis as compared to males, and these responsive genes are mostly unique to females. Reasons for this may be due to fluctuations in the female endocrine environment over the reproductive cycle and/or their evolutionary history, including parental investment and the potential for maternal effects. Direct links between genome to phenome cause and effect cannot be ascertained at this stage; however, the data we report provide a vital genomic foundation on which sex-specific reproductive dysfunction and adaptation in the face of stress can be further experimentally studied, as well as novel gene targets for genetic intervention and therapy investigations.

Adaptive SNP-Set Association Testing in Generalized Linear Mixed Models with Application to Family Studies

In genome-wide association studies (GWAS), it has been increasingly recognized that, as a complementary approach to standard single SNP analyses, it may be beneficial to analyze a group of functionally related SNPs together. Among the existent population-based SNP-set association tests, two adaptive tests, the aSPU test and the aSPUpath test, offer a powerful and general approach at the gene- and pathway-levels by data-adaptively combining the results across multiple SNPs (and genes) such that high statistical power can be maintained across a wide range of scenarios. We extend the aSPU and the aSPUpath test to familial data under the framework of the generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), which can take account of both subject relatedness and possible population structure. As in population-based GWAS, the proposed aSPU and aSPUpath tests require only fitting a single and common GLMM (under the null hypothesis) for all the SNPs, thus are computationally efficient and feasible for large GWAS data. We illustrate our approaches in identifying genes and pathways associated with alcohol dependence in the Minnesota Twin Family Study. The aSPU test detected a gene associated with the trait, in contrast to none by the standard single SNP analysis. Our aSPU test also controlled Type I errors satisfactorily in a small simulation study. We provide R code to conduct the aSPU and aSPUpath tests for familial and other correlated data.

Access to nicotine in drinking water reduces weight gain without changing caloric intake on high fat diet in male C57BL/6J mice

Nicotine and tobacco use is associated with lower body weight, and many smokers report concerns about weight. In animal studies, nicotine reduces weight gain, reduces food consumption, and alters energy expenditure, but these effects vary with duration and route of nicotine administration. Previous studies have used standardized nicotine doses, however, in this study, male and female mice had free access to nicotine drinking water for 30 days while fed either a high fat diet (HFD) or chow, allowing animals to titrate their nicotine intake. In male mice, HFD increased body weight and caloric intake. Nicotine attenuated this effect and decreased weight gain per calorie consumed without affecting overall caloric intake or acute locomotion, suggesting metabolic changes. Nicotine did not decrease weight in chow-fed animals. In contrast, the same paradigm did not result in significant differences in weight gain in female animals, but did alter corticosterone levels and locomotion, indicating sex differences in the response to HFD and nicotine. We measured levels of mRNAs encoding nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits, uncoupling proteins (UCP) 1-3, and neuropeptides involved in energy balance in adipose tissues and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). HFD and nicotine regulated UCP levels in adipose tissues and ARC from female, but not male, mice. Regulation of agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide-Y, melanin-concentrating hormone, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in ARC varied with diet and nicotine in a sex-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that chronic consumption of nicotine moderates the effect of HFD in male mice by changing metabolism rather than food intake, and identify a differential effect on female mice.

Neural mechanism for hypothalamic-mediated autonomic responses to light during migraine

Migraineurs avoid light because it intensifies their headache. However, this is not the only reason for their aversion to light. Studying migraineurs and control subjects, we found that lights triggered more changes in autonomic functions and negative emotions during, rather than in the absence of, migraine or in control subjects, and that the association between light and positive emotions was stronger in control subjects than migraineurs. Seeking to define a neuroanatomical substrate for these findings, we showed that, in rats, axons of retinal ganglion cells converge on hypothalamic neurons that project directly to nuclei in the brainstem and spinal cord that regulate parasympathetic and sympathetic functions and contain dopamine, histamine, orexin, melanin-concentrating hormone, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Although the rat studies define frameworks for conceptualizing how light triggers the symptoms described by patients, the human studies suggest that the aversive nature of light is more complex than its association with headache intensification.

Interactions of Circadian Rhythmicity, Stress and Orexigenic Neuropeptide Systems: Implications for Food Intake Control

Many physiological processes fluctuate throughout the day/night and daily fluctuations are observed in brain and peripheral levels of several hormones, neuropeptides and transmitters. In turn, mediators under the “control” of the “master biological clock” reciprocally influence its function. Dysregulation in the rhythmicity of hormone release as well as hormone receptor sensitivity and availability in different tissues, is a common risk-factor for multiple clinical conditions, including psychiatric and metabolic disorders. At the same time circadian rhythms remain in a strong, reciprocal interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Recent findings point to a role of circadian disturbances and excessive stress in the development of obesity and related food consumption and metabolism abnormalities, which constitute a major health problem worldwide. Appetite, food intake and energy balance are under the influence of several brain neuropeptides, including the orexigenic agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, orexin, melanin-concentrating hormone and relaxin-3. Importantly, orexigenic neuropeptide neurons remain under the control of the circadian timing system and are highly sensitive to various stressors, therefore the potential neuronal mechanisms through which disturbances in the daily rhythmicity and stress-related mediator levels contribute to food intake abnormalities rely on reciprocal interactions between these elements.

Functional Connectivity of Basolateral Amygdala Neurons Carrying Orexin Receptors and Melanin-concentrating Hormone Receptors in Regulating Sociability and Mood-related Behaviors

Chronic stress induces changes in neuronal functions in specific brain regions regulating sociability and mood-related behaviors. Recently we reported that stress-induced persistent upregulation of the neuropeptides orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the resulting activation of orexin receptors or MCH receptors within the BLA produced deficits in sociability and mood-related behaviors. In the present study, we investigated the neural targets that were innervated by BLA neurons containing orexin receptors or MCH receptors. The viral vector system AAV2-CaMKII-ChR2-eYFP was injected into the BLA to trace the axonal tracts of BLA neurons. This axon labeling analysis led us to identify the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices, nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum, paraventricular nucleus (PVN), interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure, habenula, CA3 pyramidal neurons, central amygdala, and ventral hippocampus as the neuroanatomical sites receiving synaptic inputs of BLA neurons. Focusing on these regions, we then carried out stimulus-dependent c-Fos induction analysis after activating orexin receptors or MCH receptors of BLA neurons. Stereotaxic injection of an orexin receptor agonist or an MCH receptor agonist in the BLA induced c-Fos expression in the NAc, PVN, central amygdala, ventral hippocampus, lateral habenula and lateral hypothalamus, which are all potentially important for depression-related behaviors. Among these neural correlates, the NAc, PVN and central amygdala were strongly activated by stimulation of orexin receptors or MCH receptors in the BLA, whereas other BLA targets were differentially and weakly activated. These results identify a functional connectivity of BLA neurons regulated by orexin and MCH receptor systems in sociability and mood-related behaviors.

The role of food intake regulating peptides in cardiovascular regulation

Obesity is a risk factor that worsens cardiovascular events leading to higher morbidity and mortality. However, the exact mechanisms of relation between obesity and cardiovascular events are unclear. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that pharmacological therapy for obesity has great potential to improve some cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it is important to determine the common mechanisms regulating both food intake and blood pressure. Several hormones produced by peripheral tissues work together with neuropeptides involved in the regulation of both food intake and blood pressure. Anorexigenic (food intake lowering) hormones such as leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin cooperate with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated peptide as well as prolactin-releasing peptide. Curiously their collective actions result in increased sympathetic activity, especially in the kidney, which could be one of the factors responsible for the blood pressure increases seen in obesity. On the other hand, orexigenic (food intake enhancing) peptides, especially ghrelin released from the stomach and acting in the brain, cooperates with orexins, neuropeptide Y, melanin-concentrating hormone and galanin, which leads to decreased sympathetic activity and blood pressure. This paradox should be intensively studied in the future. Moreover, it is important to know that the hypothalamus together with the brainstem seem to be major structures in the regulation of food intake and blood pressure. Thus, the above mentioned regions might be essential brain components in the transmission of peripheral signals to the central effects. In this short review, we summarize the current information on cardiovascular effects of food intake regulating peptides.

Physical Exercise Counteracts Stress-induced Upregulation of Melanin-concentrating Hormone in the Brain and Stress-induced Persisting Anxiety-like Behaviors

Chronic stress induces anxiety disorders, whereas physical exercise is believed to help people with clinical anxiety. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anxiety and its counteraction by exercise using an established animal model of anxiety. Mice treated with restraint for 2 h daily for 14 days exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, including social and nonsocial behavioral symptoms, and these behavioral impairments lasted for more than 12 weeks after the stress treatment was removed. Despite these lasting behavioral changes, wheel-running exercise treatment for 1 h daily from post-stress days 1 - 21 counteracted anxiety-like behaviors, and these anxiolytic effects of exercise persisted for more than 2 months, suggesting that anxiolytic effects of exercise stably induced. Repeated restraint treatment up-regulated the expression of the neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala, the brain regions important for emotional behaviors. In an in vitro study, treatment of HT22 hippocampal cells with glucocorticoid increased MCH expression, suggesting that MCH upregulation can be initially triggered by the stress hormone, corticosterone. In contrast, post-stress treatment with wheel-running exercise reduced the stress-induced increase in MCH expression to control levels in the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus and basolateral amygdala. Administration of an MCH receptor antagonist (SNAP94847) to stress-treated mice was therapeutic against stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that repeated stress produces long-lasting anxiety-like behaviors and upregulates MCH in the brain, while exercise counteracts stress-induced MCH expression and persisting anxiety-like behaviors.

Ongoing behavioral state information signaled in the lateral habenula guides choice flexibility in freely moving rats

The lateral habenula (LHb) plays a role in a wide variety of behaviors ranging from maternal care, to sleep, to various forms of cognition. One prominent theory with ample supporting evidence is that the LHb serves to relay basal ganglia and limbic signals about negative outcomes to midbrain monoaminergic systems. This makes it likely that the LHb is critically involved in behavioral flexibility as all of these systems have been shown to contribute when flexible behavior is required. Behavioral flexibility is commonly examined across species and is impaired in various neuropsychiatric conditions including autism, depression, addiction, and schizophrenia; conditions in which the LHb is thought to play a role. Therefore, a thorough examination of the role of the LHb in behavioral flexibility serves multiple functions including understanding possible connections with neuropsychiatric illnesses and additional insight into its role in cognition in general. Here, we assess the LHb’s role in behavioral flexibility through comparisons of the roles its afferent and efferent pathways are known to play. Additionally, we provide new evidence supporting the LHb contributions to behavioral flexibility through organization of specific goal directed actions under cognitively demanding conditions. Specifically, in the first experiment, a majority of neurons recorded from the LHb were found to correlate with velocity on a spatial navigation task and did not change significantly when reward outcomes were manipulated. Additionally, measurements of local field potential (LFP) in the theta band revealed significant changes in power relative to velocity and reward location. In a second set of experiments, inactivation of the LHb with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists baclofen and muscimol led to an impairment in a spatial/response based repeated probabilistic reversal learning task. Control experiments revealed that this impairment was likely due to the demands of repeated switching behaviors as rats were unimpaired on initial discrimination acquisition or retention of probabilistic learning. Taken together, these novel findings compliment other work discussed supporting a role for the LHb in action selection when cognitive or emotional demands are increased. Finally, we discuss future mechanisms by which a superior understanding of the LHb can be obtained through additional examination of behavioral flexibility tasks.

Folic acid-polydopamine nanofibers show enhanced ordered-stacking via π-π interactions

Recent research has indicated that polydopamine and synthetic eumelanins are optoelectronic biomaterials in which one-dimensional aggregates composed of ordered-stacking oligomers have been proposed as unique organic semiconductors. However, improving the ordered-stacking of oligomers in polydopamine nanostructures is a big challenge. Herein, we first demonstrate how folic acid molecules influence the morphology and nanostructure of polydopamine via tuning the π-π interactions of oligomers. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry reveals that porphyrin-like tetramers are characteristic of folic acid-polydopamine (FA-PDA) nanofibers. X-ray diffraction combined with simulation studies indicate that these oligomers favour aggregation into graphite-like ordered nanostructures via strong π-π interactions. High-resolution TEM characterization of carbonized FA-PDA hybrids show that in FA-PDA nanofibers the size of the graphite-like domains is over 100 nm. The addition of folic acid in polydopamine enhances the ordered stacking of oligomers in its nanostructure. Our study steps forward to discover the mystery of the structure-property relationship of FA-PDA hybrids. It paves a way to optimize the properties of PDA through the design and selection of oligomer structures.

Evaluation of AMG 076, a potent and selective MCHR1 antagonist, in rodent and primate obesity models

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) regulates food intake through activation of the receptor, MCHR1. We have identified AMG 076 as an orally bioavailable potent and selective small molecule antagonist of MCHR1. In mouse models of obesity, AMG 076 caused a reduction in body weight gain in wild-type (MCHR1+/+) but not in knockout (MCHR1−/−) mice. The body weight reduction was associated with decreases in food intake and increases in energy expenditure. Importantly, we show that these MCHR1-dependent effects of AMG 076 were also reflected in improved metabolic phenotypes, increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Preliminary data on effects of AMG 076 in obese cynomolgus monkeys are also presented.

Melanin-concentrating hormone regulates beat frequency of ependymal cilia and ventricular volume

Ependymal cell cilia help move cerebrospinal fluid through the cerebral ventricles, but the regulation of their beat frequency remains unclear. Using in vitro, high-speed video microscopy and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging in mice, we found that the metabolic peptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) positively controlled cilia beat frequency, specifically in the ventral third ventricle, whereas a lack of MCH receptor provoked a ventricular size increase.

Control of ventricular ciliary beating by the melanin concentrating hormone-expressing neurons of the lateral hypothalamus: a functional imaging survey

The cyclic peptide Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) is known to control a large number of brain functions in mammals such as food intake and metabolism, stress response, anxiety, sleep/wake cycle, memory, and reward. Based on neuro-anatomical and electrophysiological studies these functions were attributed to neuronal circuits expressing MCHR1, the single MCH receptor in rodents. In complement to our recently published work (1) we provided here new data regarding the action of MCH on ependymocytes in the mouse brain. First, we establish that MCHR1 mRNA is expressed in the ependymal cells of the third ventricle epithelium. Second, we demonstrated a tonic control of MCH-expressing neurons on ependymal cilia beat frequency using in vitro optogenics. Finally, we performed in vivo measurements of CSF flow using fluorescent micro-beads in wild-type and MCHR1-knockout mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that MCH-expressing neurons modulate ciliary beating of ependymal cells at the third ventricle and could contribute to maintain cerebro-spinal fluid homeostasis.

Dopamine depresses melanin concentrating hormone neuronal activity through multiple effects on α2-noradrenergic, D1 and D2-like dopaminergic receptors

Two neuronal populations of the lateral hypothalamus that, respectively, produce melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin peptides are crucially involved in control of metabolism, feeding and related goal-oriented behaviors. In contrast to orexin neurons, mainly involved in short-term regulation of feeding, MCH neurons participate in long-term control of energy storage and body weight. Beyond its effect on feeding, MCH has also been shown to be involved in regulation of seeking behavior and addiction through modulation of dopamine (DA) metabolism. This regulation is essential for reinforcement-associated behaviors. Moreover, drugs of abuse, which increase extracellular DA levels, are known to decrease food intake. Consistent with this observation, DA has been shown to modulate orexin neurons of the lateral hypothalamus. However, no study is available concerning the effects of DA on MCH neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were done in hypothalamic mouse brain slices. MCH neurons were identified by Tau-Cyan-GFP labeling using a transgenic mouse model (MCH-GFP). First, we show that DA (10-200 μM) induces an outward current in MCH neurons. However, this current is not due to activation of DA receptors, but mediated through activation of α2-noradrenergic receptors and subsequent opening of G-protein activated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels. Current-clamp experiments revealed that this GIRK-activation leads to hyperpolarization, thus decreasing excitability of MCH neurons. Furthermore, we confirm that MCH neurons receive mainly GABAergic inputs rather than glutamatergic ones. We show that DA modulates these inputs in a complex manner: at low concentrations, DA activates D1-like receptors, promoting presynaptic activity, whereas, at higher concentrations (100 μM), D2-like receptor activation inhibits presynaptic activity. Overall, DA should lead to a decrease in MCH neuron excitability, likely resulting in down-regulation of MCH release and feeding behavior.

Energy regulatory signals and food reward

The hormones insulin, leptin, and ghrelin have been demonstrated to act in the central nervous system (CNS) as regulators of energy homeostasis, acting at medial hypothalamic sites. Here, we summarize research demonstrating that, in addition to direct homeostatic actions at the hypothalamus, CNS circuitry that subserves reward and is also a direct and indirect target for the action of these endocrine regulators of energy homeostasis. Specifically, insulin and leptin can decrease food reward behaviors and modulate the function of neurotransmitter systems and neural circuitry that mediate food reward, the midbrain dopamine (DA) and opioidergic pathways. Ghrelin can increase food reward behaviors, and support midbrain DA neuronal function. We summarize discussion of behavioral, systems, and cellular evidence in support of the contributions of reward circuitry to the homeostatic roles of these hormones in the CNS. The understanding of neuroendocrine modulation of food reward, as well as food reward modulation by diet and obesity, may point to new directions for therapeutic approaches to overeating or eating disorders.

A new strategy to improve the predictive ability of the local lazy regression and its application to the QSAR study of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonists

In the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study, local lazy regression (LLR) can predict the activity of a query molecule by using the information of its local neighborhood without need to produce QSAR models a priori. When a prediction is required for a query compound, a set of local models including different number of nearest neighbors are identified. The leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO-CV) procedure is usually used to assess the prediction ability of each model, and the model giving the lowest LOO-CV error or highest LOO-CV correlation coefficient is chosen as the best model. However, it has been proved that the good statistical value from LOO cross-validation appears to be the necessary, but not the sufficient condition for the model to have a high predictive power. In this work, a new strategy is proposed to improve the predictive ability of LLR models and to access the accuracy of a query prediction. The bandwidth of k neighbor value for LLR is optimized by considering the predictive ability of local models using an external validation set. This approach was applied to the QSAR study of a series of thienopyrimidinone antagonists of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1. The obtained results from the new strategy shows evident improvement compared with the commonly used LOO-CV LLR methods and the traditional global linear model.

Energy regulatory signals and food reward

The hormones insulin, leptin, and ghrelin have been demonstrated to act in the central nervous system (CNS) as regulators of energy homeostasis, acting at medial hypothalamic sites. Here, we summarize research demonstrating that, in addition to direct homeostatic actions at the hypothalamus, CNS circuitry that subserves reward and is also a direct and indirect target for the action of these endocrine regulators of energy homeostasis. Specifically, insulin and leptin can decrease food reward behaviors and modulate the function of neurotransmitter systems and neural circuitry that mediate food reward, the midbrain dopamine (DA) and opioidergic pathways. Ghrelin can increase food reward behaviors, and support midbrain DA neuronal function. We summarize discussion of behavioral, systems, and cellular evidence in support of the contributions of reward circuitry to the homeostatic roles of these hormones in the CNS. The understanding of neuroendocrine modulation of food reward, as well as food reward modulation by diet and obesity, may point to new directions for therapeutic approaches to overeating or eating disorders.

Role of CRF and other neuropeptides in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking

A central problem in the treatment of drug addiction is high rates of relapse to drug use after periods of forced or self-imposed abstinence. This relapse is often provoked by exposure to stress. Stress-induced relapse to drug seeking can be modeled in laboratory animals using a reinstatement procedure. In this procedure, drug-taking behaviors are extinguished and then reinstated by acute exposure to stressors like intermittent unpredictable footshock, restraint, food deprivation, and systemic injections of yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist that induces stress-like responses in humans and nonhumans. For this special issue entitled "The role of neuropeptides in stress and addiction", we review results from studies on the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and several other peptides in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking in laboratory animals. The results of the studies reviewed indicate that extrahypothalamic CRF plays a critical role in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking; this role is largely independent of drug class, experimental procedure, and type of stressor. There is also limited evidence for the role of dynorphins, hypocretins (orexins), nociceptin (orphanin FQ), and leptin in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking.

Effects of the MCH1 receptor antagonist SNAP 94847 on high-fat food-reinforced operant responding and reinstatement of food seeking in rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The melanin-concentrating hormone 1 (MCH1) receptors play an important role in home-cage food consumption in rodents, but their role in operant high-fat food-reinforced responding or reinstatement of food seeking in animal models is unknown. Here, we used the MCH1 receptor antagonist SNAP 94847 to explore these questions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In experiment 1, we trained food-restricted rats (16 g/day of nutritionally balanced rodent diet) to lever press for high-fat (35%) pellets (3-h/day, every other day) for 14 sessions. We then tested the effect of SNAP 94847 (3-30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) on food-reinforced operant responding. In experiments 2 and 3, we trained rats to lever press for the food pellets (9 to 14 3-h sessions) and subsequently extinguished the food-reinforced lever responding by removing the food (10 to 17 sessions). We then tested the effect of SNAP 94847 on reinstatement of food seeking induced by MCH (20 microg, intracerebroventricular), noncontingent delivery of three pellets during the first minute of the test session (pellet-priming), contingent tone-light cues previously associated with pellet delivery (cue), or the pharmacological stressor yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.).

RESULTS

Systemic injections of SNAP 94847 decreased food-reinforced operant responding and MCH-induced reinstatement of food seeking. SNAP 94847 had no effect on pellet-priming-, cue-, or yohimbine-induced reinstatement.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that MCH1 receptors are involved in food-reinforced operant responding but not in reinstatement induced by acute exposure to high-fat food, food cues, or the stress-like state induced by yohimbine. These results suggest that different mechanisms mediate food-reinforced operant responding and reinstatement of food seeking.

The melanin-concentrating hormone1 receptor antagonists, SNAP-7941 and GW3430, enhance social recognition and dialysate levels of acetylcholine in the frontal cortex of rats

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)1 receptors are widely expressed in limbic structures and cortex. Their inactivation is associated with anxiolytic and antidepressive properties but little information is available concerning cognition. This issue was addressed using the selective antagonists, SNAP-7941 and GW3430, in a social recognition paradigm in rats. The muscarinic blocker, scopolamine (1.25 mg/kg s.c.), reduced social recognition, an action dose-dependently blocked by SNAP-7941 and GW3430 (0.63-10.0 and 20.0-80.0 mg/kg i.p., respectively) which did not themselves display amnesic properties. Further, in a protocol where a spontaneous deficit was induced by a prolonged inter-session delay, SNAP-7941 and GW3430 dose-dependently enhanced social recognition. In dialysis studies, SNAP-7941 (0.63-40.0 mg/kg i.p.) and GW3430 (10.0-40.0 mg/kg i.p.) elevated extracellular levels of acetylcholine (ACh) in the frontal cortex (FCX) of freely moving rats. The SNAP-7941 effect was specific, as it did not increase levels of ACh in ventral and dorsal hippocampus: moreover, it did not modify levels of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and glutamate in FCX. Active doses of SNAP-7941 and GW3430 corresponded to doses (2.5-40.0 and 10.0-80.0 mg/kg i.p., respectively) exerting anxiolytic properties in Vogel conflict and ultrasonic vocalization tests, and antidepressant actions in forced swim, isolation-induced aggression and marble-burying procedures. In contrast to SNAP-7941 and GW3430, the benzodiazepine, diazepam, decreased social recognition and dialysate levels of ACh, while the tricyclic, imipramine, reduced social recognition and failed to enhance cholinergic transmission. In conclusion, at anxiolytic and antidepressant doses, SNAP-7941 and GW3430 improve social recognition and elevate extracellular ACh levels in FCX. This profile differentiates MCH1 receptor antagonists from conventional anxiolytic and antidepressant agents.

Insulin, leptin, and food reward: update 2008

The hormones insulin and leptin have been demonstrated to act in the central nervous system (CNS) as regulators of energy homeostasis at medial hypothalamic sites. In a previous review, we described new research demonstrating that, in addition to these direct homeostatic actions at the hypothalamus, CNS circuitry that subserves reward and motivation is also a direct and an indirect target for insulin and leptin action. Specifically, insulin and leptin can decrease food reward behaviors and modulate the function of neurotransmitter systems and neural circuitry that mediate food reward, i.e., midbrain dopamine and opioidergic pathways. Here we summarize new behavioral, systems, and cellular evidence in support of this hypothesis and in the context of research into the homeostatic roles of both hormones in the CNS. We discuss some current issues in the field that should provide additional insight into this hypothetical model. The understanding of neuroendocrine modulation of food reward, as well as food reward modulation by diet and obesity, may point to new directions for therapeutic approaches to overeating or eating disorders.

Microinjections of melanin concentrating hormone into the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat elicit depressor and bradycardic responses

The presence of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) containing processes, projecting from the lateral hypothalamus to the medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS), has been reported in the rat. It was hypothesized that MCH acting within the mNTS may modulate the central regulation of cardiovascular function. This hypothesis was tested in urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, adult male Wistar rats. Microinjections (100 nl) of MCH (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mM) into the mNTS of anesthetized rats elicited decreases in mean arterial pressure (20.4+/-1.6, 50.7+/-3.3, 35.7+/-2.8 and 30.0+/-2.6 mm Hg, respectively). The decreases in heart rate in response to these concentrations of MCH were 40.0+/-8.7, 90.0+/-13.0, 48.0+/-7.3 and 48.0+/-8.0 beats/min, respectively. Maximum cardiovascular responses were elicited by a 0.5 mM concentration of MCH. Cardiovascular responses to MCH were similar in unanesthetized mid-collicular decerebrate rats. Control microinjections of normal saline (100 nl) did not elicit any cardiovascular response. Ipsilateral or bilateral vagotomy significantly attenuated MCH-induced bradycardia. Prior microinjections of PMC-3881-PI (2 mM; MCH-1 receptor antagonist) into the mNTS blocked the cardiovascular responses to microinjections of MCH. Microinjection of MCH (0.5 mM) into the mNTS decreased efferent greater splanchnic nerve activity. Direct application of MCH (0.5 mM; 4 nl) to barosensitive nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurons increased their firing rate. These results indicate that: 1) MCH microinjections into the mNTS activate MCH-1 receptors and excite barosensitive NTS neurons, causing a decrease in efferent sympathetic activity and blood pressure, and 2) MCH-induced bradycardia is mediated via the activation of the vagus nerves.

Synthesis and SAR Investigations for Novel Melanin-Concentrating Hormone 1 Receptor (MCH1) Antagonists Part 1. The Discovery of Arylacetamides as Viable Replacements for the Dihydropyrimidinone Moiety of an HTS Hit

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is involved in the regulation of feeding, water balance, energy metabolism, general arousal and attention state, memory, cognitive functions, and psychiatric disorders. Herein, two new chemical series exemplified by N-[5-(1-{3-[2,2-bis-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-acetylamino]-propyl}-piperidin-4-yl)-2,4-difluoro-phenyl]-isobutyramide (SNAP 102739, 5m) and N-[3-(1-{3-[(S)-2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propionylamino]-propyl}-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methylphenyl]-isobutyramide ((S)-6b) are reported. These compounds were designed to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the high-throughput screening lead compound 1 (SNAP 7941). The MCH1 receptor antagonists 5m and (S)-6b show reasonable pharmacokinetic profiles (rat bioavailability = 48 and 81%, respectively). Compounds 5m and (S)-6b demonstrated the inhibition of a centrally administered MCH-evoked drinking effect, and compound 5m exhibited oral in vivo efficacy in the rat social interaction model of anxiety, with a minimum effective dose = 0.3 mg/kg.

Synthesis and SAR Investigations for Novel Melanin-Concentrating Hormone 1 Receptor (MCH1) Antagonists Part 2: A Hybrid Strategy Combining Key Fragments of HTS Hits

A novel series of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH1) receptor antagonists based on combining key fragments from the high-throughput screening (HTS) hits compound 2 (SNAP 7941) and compound 5 (chlorohaloperidol) are described. The resultant analogs, exemplified by compounds 11a-11h, 15a-15h, and 16a-16g, were evaluated in in vitro and in vivo assays for their potential in treatment of mood disorders. From further SAR investigations, N-(3-{1-[4-(3,4-difluorophenoxy)benzyl]-4-piperidinyl}-4-methylphenyl)-2-methylpropanamide (16g, SNAP 94847) was identified to be a high affinity and selective ligand for the MCH1 receptor. Compound 16g also shows good oral bioavailability (59%) and exhibits a brain/plasma ratio of 2.3 in rats. Compound 16g showed in vivo inhibition of a centrally induced MCH-induced drinking effect and exhibited a dose-dependent anxiolytic effect in the rat social interaction model.

Design and synthesis of novel hydantoin-containing melanin-concentrating hormone receptor antagonists

We report here new chemical series acting as antagonists of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR-1). Synthesis and structure-activity relationships are described leading to the identification of compounds with optimized in vitro pharmacological and in vitro ADME profiles. In vivo activity has been demonstrated in animal models of food intake and depression.

Quinazoline and benzimidazole MCH-1R antagonists

We have modified the previously reported 2-aminoquinoline 1 to provide two novel series of MCH-1R antagonists. Representative compounds from the quinazoline and benzimidazole series have been shown to be potent and selective, with promising in vitro eADME profiles.

A study of the involvement of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) in murine models of depression

BACKGROUND

Most antidepressant medications target central monoamine systems and are often characterized by limited efficacies and unwanted side effects. Thus, significant efforts are ongoing to identify novel targets for the treatment of depression. Growing evidence suggests that neuropeptides play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is one such neuropeptide, implicated in the modulation of many physiological responses.

METHODS

We utilized an array of techniques including chronic mild stress (CMS) as a depression paradigm, neurobehavior, gene expression analysis, and knockout genetics to investigate the role of MCH receptor subtype 1 (MCHR1) in murine models of depression.

RESULTS

We report here that following a 5-week exposure to repeated chronic mild stress (an ethologically relevant animal model of depression), C57Bl/6J mice have increased hippocampal gene expression of MCH receptor subtype 1 (MCHR1), the cognate melanin concentrating hormone receptor in mice. This increased gene expression is reversed by chronic fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) treatment. Additionally, while female and male mice carrying a null mutation of the MCHR1 gene show comparable anxiolytic-like behavior on the open field, only female knockout mice exhibit antidepressant-like behavior, when tested on the forced swim and tail suspension tests.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we suggest that antagonism of the MCHR1 receptor may provide a novel approach for the treatment of affective disorders, including depression, with a potentially increased efficacy in women.

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of retro bis-aminopyrrolidine urea (rAPU) derived small-molecule antagonists of the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCH-R1). Part 2

The design, synthesis, and SAR of a series of retro bis-aminopyrrolidine ureas are described. Compounds from this series exhibited considerable binding affinity (Ki = 1 nM) and functional activity at MCH-R1, acceptable CYP2D6 inhibition, and good rat brain exposure.

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of retro bis-aminopyrrolidine urea (rAPU) derived small-molecule antagonists of the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCH-R1). Part 1

The design, synthesis, and SAR of a series of retro bis-aminopyrrolidine ureas are described. Compounds from this series exhibited potent binding affinity and functional activity at MCH-R1, and good oral bioavailability in rat.

The melanocortins and melanin-concentrating hormone in the central regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis

A number of different neuropeptides exert powerful concerted controls on feeding behavior and energy balance, most of them being produced in hypothalamic neuronal networks under stimulation by anabolic and catabolic peripheral hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, respectively. These peptide-expressing neurons interconnect extensively to integrate the multiple opposing signals that mediate changes in energy expenditure. In the present review I have summarized our current knowledge about two key peptidic systems involved in regulating appetite and energy homeostasis, the melanocortin system (alpha-MSH, agouti and Agouti-related peptides, MC receptors and mahogany protein) and the melanin-concentrating hormone system (proMCH-derived peptides and MCH receptors) that contribute to satiety and feeding-initiation, respectively, with concurrent effects on energy expenditure. I have focused particularly on recent data concerning transgenic mice and the ongoing development of MC/MCH receptor antagonists/agonists that may represent promising drugs to treat human eating disorders on both sides of the energy balance (anorexia, obesity).