HISTAMINE-RECEPTORS IN THE HUMAN NOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the role of histamine receptors in the nose. The effects of intranasal histamine challenge were compa red with those of a specific H1-receptor agonist, betahistine and a sp ecific H2-receptor agonist, impromidine, in 11 normal individuals and four with rhinitis. Sneezing, nasal irritation and hypersecretion were induced by histamine and the H1-receptor agonist, betahistine only. N asal airway resistance (Rna) was measured by passive anterior rhinoman ometry. Histamine, betahistine and impromidine all induced rises in Rn a in both normal individuals and those with rhinitis but histamine had the most potent effect; the H2-receptor effect on Rna was predominant over that of the H1-receptor. The sensitivity to all three agonists w as greater in the individuals with rhinitis.