FIGURE 3.

Ca²⁺ regulated pathway. The endogenous melanocortin 4‐receptor (MC4R) pathway is regulated by agonist α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) and antagonist agouti‐related peptide (AgRP). Ca²⁺ ions are also important in the regulation of the MC4R pathway. α‐MSH, along with Ca²⁺, induces satiety and reduces food intake. This is regulated partly by closure of the potassium inward rectifying channel KIR7.1. Conversely, AgRP regulates orexigenic signals, also via the opening of the KIR7.1, in addition to other possible mechanisms