Main description:

This book offers a compilation of papers on the role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in sleep, sleep disorders and neuroendocrine functions. Leading experts in sleep medicine, psychiatry and neuroendocrinology provide a broad perspective on the field, from the anatomical structure and physiology of the MCH system to the connection with other systems influencing sleep and diseases like anxiety and depression. The potential of MCHR-1 antagonists as anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs is also reviewed. The book will represent an interdisciplinary guide for sleep disorder specialists, sleep researchers, psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists, and behavioral sleep medicine specialists.

Contents:

1. Neuroanatomical structure of the MCH system. - 2. Projections of the MCH system to structures involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.- 3. MCH and the Orexin system - reciprocal influences.- 4. Optogenetic stimulation of MCH neurons.- 5- Role of MCH in REM sleep control.- 6. MCH, REM sleep and the monoaminergic system.- 7. MCH and depression.- 8. MCH receptor 1 antagonists: anxiolytic/antidepressant potential in animal models.- 9. Cannabinoidsand the MCH system.- 10. MCH receptors and thermoregulation.- 11. Sleep during the postpartum period. Role of MCH.- 12. MCH, sleep and neuroendocrine functions.- 13. MCH, pain and sleep.- 14. MCH and hypersomnia.