Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) was first identified as a hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating feeding behavior and energy balance. The MCH receptor, MCHR1, is present in brain as well as in several peripheral tissues including the gastrointestinal tract where its role is yet to be established. Increased MCH and MCHR1 expression in the mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) implies a role of MCH in disease pathogenesis. Our previous studies have shown that MCH-deficient mice develop attenuated colitis, a phenotype that was recapitulated when mice were treated with an anti-MCH antibody.