Histamine

Uncommon card · No. 90976

Histamine or histamin is an organic nitrogenous compound found in mammals and many vegetables, fruits and food products. It consists of an imidazole ring attached to an ethylamine chain; under physiological conditions, the amino group of the side-chain is protonated. In mammals it is found within granules of basophils and mast cells (over 90% of body stores), as well as within neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus in posterior hypothalamus. Discovered in 1910, histamine has been considered a local hormone (autocoid) because it is produced without involvement of the classic endocrine glands; however, in recent years, histamine has been recognized as a central neurotransmitter. In humans, it is involved in local immune responses communication, as well as regulating physiological functions in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter for the brain, spinal cord, and uterus. Histamine is involved in the inflammatory response and is a central mediator of itching. As part of an immune response...

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