Histamine is an endogenous short-acting biogenic amine synthesized from the amino acid histidine and is widely distributed throughout the body. Histamine is an important mediator of immediate-type-allergic reactions. Normally, there is a minimal amount of histamine circulating in the human body. An allergic reaction can occur when a substance enters the body (i.e. food, chemicals, insect bites, oils from plants). In response to the molecule, the body will then release larger quantities of histamine, which starts a cascade of events and begins an immune response. The body balances the histamine release by producing Epinephrine (adrenaline) which can help modulate the effects of histamine. When histamine is released, part of the cascade of events is inflammation. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine and the resulting inflammation, amongst other symptoms, to provide relief.
Anaphylaxis occurs when there is a hypersensitive response. Reactions can range from mild to severe and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. Symptoms of hypersensitivity to histamine include hives, tingling feeling in the mouth, difficulty breathing, stomach cramping and diarrhea.
Elevations in plasma and tissue histamine levels have been reported during anaphylaxis and experimental systems investigating the allergic responses of the skin and airways. Because of its potent role in the immune response, histamine in the body is present in a very transitory state and can only be measured within minutes of release. The half-life of histamine in a biological system is four minutes before conversion to n-methyl histamine.
Histamine is also in a class of neurotransmitters called “Small Molecule Neurotransmitter Substances”. This group includes molecules such as Serotonin, Epinephrine and Dopamine. Additionally, histamine plays a role in gastric acid secretion, assisting in the induction of acid production.
The allergy mediator histamine confers resistanceto immunotherapy in cancer patients via activationof the macrophage histamine receptor H1: H. Li, et al.; Cancer Cell 40, 36 (2022), Abstract;
Angelica gigas extract ameliorates allergic rhinitis in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model by inhibiting Th2 cell activation: K.Y. Ji, et al.; Phytomedicine 93, 153789 (2021), Abstract;
Anti-allergic effects of Asarum heterotropoides on an ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis murine model: S. Choi, et al.; Biomed. Pharmacother. 141, 111944 (2021), Abstract;
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus reuteri in its biofilm state contribute to its beneficial effects in a rat model of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis: R.D. Shelby, et al.; J. Pediatr. Surg. 22, 3468 (2021), Abstract;
Rab44 isoforms similarly promote lysosomal exocytosis, but exhibit differential localization in mast cells: T. Kadowaki, et al.; FEBS Open Bio. 11, 1165 (2021), Application(s): Cell culture supernatant, BMMCs and RBL‐2H3, Abstract; Full Text
Histamine-mediated autocrine signaling in mesenteric perilymphatic mast cells: S. Pal, et al.; Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 318, R590 (2020), Application(s): Histamine concentration in lysates from rat mesenteric perilymphatic tissue, Abstract; Full Text
A connective tissue mast-cell-specific receptor detects bacterial quorum-sensing molecules and mediates antibacterial immunity: P. Pundir, et al.; Cell. Host. Microb. 26, 114 (2019), Application(s): Analysis of culture supernatants, Abstract; Full Text
A Forward Chemical Genetic Screen Reveals Gut Microbiota Metabolites That Modulate Host Physiology: H. Chen, et al.; Cell 177, 1217 (2019), Application(s): Quantification of histamine production by 144 isolates of human gut bacteria, Abstract; Full Text
Histamine release from intestinal mast cells induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) evokes vomiting reflex in common marmoset: H.K. Ono, et al.; PLoS Pathog. 15, e1007803 (2019), Application(s): ELISA using culture supernatants, Abstract; Full Text
Mast cells induce blood brain barrier damage in SCD by causing endoplasmic reticulum stress in the endothelium: H. Tran, et al.; Front. Cell. Neurosci. 13, 56 (2019), Application(s): ELISA using culture supernatants and mouse plasma, Abstract; Full Text
Inhibitory effects of Helianthus tuberosus ethanol extract on dermatophagoides farina body-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model and human keratinocytes: Y.M. Kang, et al.; Nutrients 10, 1657 (2018), Application(s): ELISA using mouse serum, Abstract; Full Text
Melanotan II causes hypothermia in mice by activation of mast cells and stimulation of histamine 1 receptors: S. Jain, et al.; Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 315, E357 (2018), Application(s): Cell cultur supernatant, peritoneal mast cells, Abstract; Full Text
Bone marrow myeloid cells regulate myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cells via a histamine-dependent feedback loop: X. Chen, et al.; Cell. Stem Cell. 21, 747 (2017), Abstract;
Comparison of blood glucose levels and allergic responses on treatment with six wheat cultivars: H. Lee, et al.; App. Biol. Chem. 60, 11 (2017),
Enhanced probiotic potential of Lactobacillus reuteri when delivered as a biofilm on dextranomer microspheres that contain beneficial cargo: J.B. Navarro, et al.; Front. Microbiol. 8, 489 (2017), Application(s): Histamine levels in Lactobacillus reuteri culture supernatants, Abstract; Full Text
Mechanisms of the innate defense regulator peptide-1002 anti-inflammatory activity in a sterile inflammation mouse model: B.C. Wu, et al.; J. Immunol. 199, 3592 (2017), Abstract;
Potential risk of repeated nasal vaccination that induces allergic reaction with mucosal IgE and airway eosinophilic infiltration in cynomolgus macaques infected with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus: M. Nakayama, et al.; Vaccine 35, 1008 (2017), Application(s): Histamine levels in monkey plasma, Abstract;
Reduction of Asthmatic Parameters by Sea Hare Hydrolysates in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma: J.H. Ryu, et al.; Nutrients 9, 699 (2017), Application(s): ELISA with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples, Abstract; Full Text
Roxatidine attenuates mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation via inhibition of NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation: M. Lee, et al.; Sci. Rep. 7, 41721 (2017), Application(s): Histamine levels in mouse serum, Abstract; Full Text
Complement C3 is expressed by mast cells in cutaneous vasculitis and is degraded by chymase: T. Lipitsa, et al.; Arch. Dermatol. Res. 308, 575 (2016), Abstract;
IL-33 ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology and cognitive decline: A.K. Fu, et al.; PNAS 113, E2705 (2016), Application(s): Measured plasma histamine level, Abstract; Full Text
