Melanocortin 4 receptor signaling in dopamine 1 receptor neurons is required for procedural memory learning

► The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is expressed in a dopamine 1 receptor neurons. ► MC4R signaling regulates acquisition of operant responding for palatable food. ► MC4R signaling is required for learning in a cued version of the water maze. ► DARPP-32, a regulator of synaptic plasticity, is phosphorylated after MC4R agonist.