Biological effects of histamine: An overview

Conclusion It is now some eighty years since the pioneering studies of Dale, Barger, Laidlaw and others defined the immediate pharmacological actions of histamine. In that period, it has become apparent that endogenous histamine is implicated in a diversity of physiological processes as well as in immediate hypersensitivity reactions and injury. Thus, the amine is intimately involved in the control of gastric acid secretion, acts as a neurotransmitter or modulator in the brain, and influences cell growth and immune function. The definition of distinct receptor subtypes for the autacoid has found therapeutic application in the treatment of allergy and peptic ulcer disease and holds promise for the management of problems of sleep and wakefulness. Indeed, the discovery of H₂-receptors, and more recently H₃-receptors, has led to a considerable resurgence in interest in histamine in biology and clinical medicine. It is hoped that this interest will continue and prosper.