[1] In mammals it is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, mood, sleep-wake cycle and energy balance.
[4][1] MCHR2 has only been identified in certain species such as humans, dogs, ferrets, and rhesus monkeys, while other mammals such as rodents and rabbits do not have the receptor.
[1] MCH is cleaved from prepro-MCH (ppMCH), a 165 amino acid polypeptide which also contains the neuropeptides GE and EI.
Both the spleen and thymus have shown significant levels of MCH in mammals in multiple studies.
[clarification needed] MCH is found in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus solely in female brains in rat models.
[1] The presence of MCH in specific locations solely during lactation is thought to help to promote maternal behavior in individuals.
[1] This promoting of energy conservation has also been linked to higher body mass even when diet is controlled.
[8] Though, more information is needed to fully understand MCH's relationship with skin pigmentation in mammals.
[6] Chemokines and cytokines often appear as the result of inflammation or infection, and they can then damage MCH neurons, which can lead to anorexia in an individual.
[8] More research is needed to fully determine and understand any relationship between MCH and possible immune responses in skin.