Differential distribution of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)- and hypocretin (Hcrt)-immunoreactive neurons projecting to the mesopontine cholinergic complex in the rat

► MCH boutons formed close appositions to Hcrt somata, whereas Hcrt boutons contacted MCH somata. ► In case of MCH projection to the PPTg, cells located lateral to the fornix outnumbered ones in the medial LH subdivision. ► There were more MCH neurons projecting to the mesopontine cholinergic complex compared to Hcrt neurons.