Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic 19-amino acid orexigenic hypothalamic peptide originally isolated from the pituitary gland of teleost fish where it controls skin pigmentation.In mammals it is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, mood, sleep-wake cycle and energy balance. MCH expressing neurons are located within the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta. Despite this restricted distribution MCH neurons project widely throughout the brain. MCH knockout mice are hypophagic (eat less) and lean and are hyperactive.When administered centrally it increases food intake and weight gain.

The antibody is stable for at least 1 year from the date of receipt when stored at -20^°C to -70^°C. Reconstituted antibody can also be aliquotted and stored at 4^°C for 1 month or at -20^°C to -70^°C in a manual defrost freezer for many months without detectable loss activity. Please avoid freeze-thaw cycles.