Work

Melanin-concentrating hormone inhibits PVN oxytocin neurons through barium-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium channels and MCH-neuron ablation alters pup-directed aggression

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interactions between melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons and oxytocin neurons are crucial for parental care. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that MCH inhibits paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN)-oxytocin neurons through activation of barium-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium channels, potentially G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels, and pup-directed aggression was positively related to loss of MCH neurons. Our findings offer a glimpse into the neural mechanisms underlying the evolutionary regulation of offspring caregiving and abuse in males.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-75712-9

Authors: Tingbi Xiong, Fumihito Saitow, Ayumu Inutsuka, Tatsushi Onaka, Kazuo Yamada, Chitose Orikasa