[Melanin-concentrating hormone]: Neuropeptide ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor MCHR1 and MCHR2 that can activate both G(i/o)- and G(q/11)-dependent signaling pathways (PubMed:15340116, PubMed:38710677, PubMed:39616153). Acts as a neuromodulator in the central nervous system, promoting feeding, positive energy balance (orexigenic) and sleep. Inhibits stimulated ACTH release (lowering plasma glucocorticoids), consistent with a role in down-regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Functionally antagonizes melanotropin alpha (alpha-MSH), opposing its inhibitory effect on food intake and exploratory behaviors and its stimulatory effect on the HPA axis. Antagonizes NEI-induced behavioral effects (By similarity). May also participate in spermatocyte differentiation (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P14200, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P56942, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15340116, ECO:0000269|PubMed:38710677, ECO:0000269|PubMed:39616153}. [Neuropeptide-glutamic acid-isoleucine]: Neuropeptide that modulates stress-related neuroendocrine responses and behaviors. Stimulates ACTH secretion, functionally counteracting the ACTH- suppressing action of MCH; the underlying mechanism is not fully characterized. Reduces dopamine and DOPAC release in the ventromedial nucleus. Influences differentiation of neuronal processes and affects neurofilament protein content in vitro. . This is the function of PMCH (pro-melanin concentrating hormone, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000183395).