HISTAMINE

Histamine is a natural amine present in many animal and human tissues. It was very rapidly considered to be the mediator of immediate allerg y. Its physiological role on histamine-containing cells and on their e nvironment is still poorly understood, but the results of various rece nt studies indicate that very low histamine concentrations, not detect able by conventional techniques, play a role in various physiological processes, such as control of gastric acid secretion, neurotransmissio n, regulation of the microcirculation and modulation of inflammatory a nd immunological reactions. This article reviews the metabolism, origi n, conditions of release, receptors, physiological functions, pharmaco logical properties and role of histamine in disease. The various assay methods of histamine in biological fluids are also briefly discussed.