Definition
Histamine is a biogenic amine that is widely distributed in the body and functions as a major mediator of inflammation and allergic reactions, as a physiological regulator of gastric acid secretion in the stomach, as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and may also have a role in tissue growth and repair.
Basic Characteristics
Histamine is stored within granules of mast cells in almost all tissues of the body and has a major role as a local hormone (autocoid) in the generation of allergic and inflammatory reactions. It is found in particularly high concentrations in mast cells in the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract and is also present in circulating basophils. Allergens and antigens bind to IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells causing the IgE to crosslink. This conformational change stimulates the release of pre‐stored histamine (degranulation) from mast cells. Direct interaction of components of the complement system(C3a and C5a) with...
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References
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Hill, S.J., Baker, J.G. (2008). Histaminergic System. In: Offermanns, S., Rosenthal, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_74
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_74
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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