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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.08.15.745000

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

Xiong, T.·Saitow, F.·Inutsuka, A.·Onaka, T.·Yamada, K.·Orikasa, C.
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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.

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Xiong, T., Saitow, F., Inutsuka, A., Onaka, T., Yamada, K., Orikasa, C.. 2026-08-20. Melanin-concentrating hormone inhibits PVN oxytocin neurons through a barium-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium channels and MCH-neuron ablation alters pup-directed aggression. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.15.745000

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