Identification of Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Synthesizing Neurons Using GFP

Neurons that synthesize melanin-concentrating hormone may modulate arousal and energy homeostasis. The scattered MCH neurons have been difficult to study, as they have no defining morphological characteristics. This application note demonstrates a viral approach with adeno-associated virus for selective long-term expression of the reporter gene green fluorescent protein. Toward this end, the KODAK Image Station 2000MM is a useful tool for screening animals, tissue slices and cultured cells.