ROLES OF HISTAMINE-RECEPTOR IN A GUINEA-PIG ASTHMA MODEL

Histamine plays an important role in broncho constriction mediated by histamine receptors which provoke bronchial asthma attack. In this stu dy, we measured H-1 and H-2 receptors in the guinea pig lung membrane fraction and obtained the following results. The maximum binding (B-ma x) of H-1 receptors in the guinea pig lung membrane fraction was signi ficantly higher in the OA-sensitized group than that in the non-sensit ized group, but affinity (K-d) did not differ between the groups. Othe rwise, the maximum binding (B-max) of H-2 receptors in the guinea pig lung membrane fr;action was significantly lower in the OA-sensifized g roup than that in the non-sensitized group. But affinity (K-d) did not differ between the-groups. These findings suggest a close association of Histamine receptors both H-1 and H-2 in the pathology of asthma. ( C) 1998 International Society for Immunopharmacology. Published by Els evier Science Ltd.