Orexin/hypocretin receptor 2 signaling in MCH neurons regulates REM sleep and insulin sensitivity

In the brain, orexin/hypocretin receptor type 2 (Ox2R) are widely expressed and modulate sleep and metabolism. Ox2R selective agonists are currently under clinical trials for narcolepsy treatment. 

The researchers show that orexin B induces both excitatory and inhibitory responses in distinct MCH neuron sub-populations.

MCH-neuron-restricted Ox2R inactivation in female mice induces impairment of REM sleep and insulin sensitivity, indicating that Ox2R in MCH neurons regulates both sleep and metabolism.

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)00048-8

https://sciencemission.com/Orexinhypocretin-receptor-2-signaling-in-MCH-neurons