CNS melanocortin system involvement in the regulation of food intake.

Accumulating evidence indicates that the central melanocortin (MC) system plays a key role in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. This evidence includes findings that either spontaneous genetic mutations or targeted gene deletions that impair melanocortin signaling cause disrupted food intake and body-weight control. In addition, expression of the mRNA that encodes the endogenous agonists and antagonists for CNS melanocortin receptors is regulated by changes in energy balance and body-adiposity signals. Finally, administration of both natural and synthetic ligands to MC receptors produces changes in food intake. The data collectively suggest a critical role for melanocortin signaling in the control of energy balance. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.