Chemogenetic inhibition of MCH neurons does not alter memory performance in mice

Abstract

Memory storage in the brain is one of the most extensively studied subjects in neuroscience. However, due to the highly complex structure of the memory-related systems in the brain, the mystery remains unsolved. Consolidation is one of the most important parts of the memory process, and one that can be affected by numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neuronal activity has been of particular interest to researchers in terms of the association between sleep, neurodegenerative diseases, and memory consolidation. We used Pmch-Cre animals to investigate the role of MCH neuronal activity in memory consolidation. In order to observe the differences in memory consolidation, we chemogenetically inhibited MCH neurons using the DREADD method and measured hippocampus-dependent memory performance with a novel object recognition test applicable to early memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Our results revealed no significant improvement or worsening with MCH inhibition, suggesting that the role of MCH should now be evaluated in a wider setting.