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Histamine is an endogenous biogenic amine that plays a role in the immediate allergic response and is an important regulator of gastric acid secretion. More recently, a role for histamine as a modulator of neurotransmitter release in the central and peripheral nervous systems has emerged. The cloning of four receptors for histamine and the development of subtype-specific receptor antagonists have enhanced our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of histamine. Competitive antagonists of H1 receptors are used therapeutically in treating allergies, urticaria, anaphylactic reactions, nausea, motion sickness, and insomnia. Antagonists of the H2 receptor are effective in reducing gastric acid secretion.
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The peptides bradykinin and kallidin, released after activation of the kallikrein-kinin system, have cardiovascular effects similar to those of histamine and play prominent roles in inflammation and nociception. Icatibant, a competitive antagonist of the bradykinin B2 receptor, and ecallantide, a specific plasma kallikrein inhibitor, are approved for the treatment of acute episodes of edema in patients with hereditary angioedema.
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Abbreviations
ACE: angiotensin I–converting enzyme
ADHD: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Ang: angiotensin
ARNI: angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor
AT: angiotensin receptor (e.g., AT1 and AT2 receptors)
AV: atrioventricular
C1: the C1 esterase of the complement system
C1-INH: inhibitor of the activated C1 component of complement
CSF: cerebrospinal fluid
EET: epoxyeicosatrienoic acid
eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase
GABA: γ-aminobutyric acid
GI: gastrointestinal
GPCR: G protein-coupled receptor
HMW: high molecular weight
5HT: serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)
IgE: immunoglobulin E
IL-1: interleukin-1
iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase
IP3: inositol trisphosphate
LMW: low molecular weight
NO: nitric oxide
PKC: protein kinase C
TNFα: tumor necrosis factor α
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Histamine is a hydrophilic molecule consisting of an imidazole ring and an amino group connected by an ethylene group; histamine is biosynthesized from histidine by decarboxylation (Figure 43–1). Histamine acts through four classes of receptors, designated H1 through H4. The four histamine receptors, all G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), can be differentially activated by analogues of histamine (Figure 43–2) and inhibited by specific antagonists (Table 43–1).
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