Plays a role in skin pigmentation by antagonizing the action of melanotropin alpha. Induces melanin concentration within the melanophores. May participate in the control of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal gland axis by inhibiting the release of ACTH. Pituitary gland. Produced in neurons of lateral basal hypothalamus which project both to the brain and to the neural lobe of the pituitary gland from where MCH is released. Belongs to the melanin-concentrating hormone family.