Expression of the histamine receptor in Xenopus oocyte and its applicationto the histamine sensor

We developed a receptor-mediated biological sensor for real time detection of histamine derived from granules of mast cell and basophils. A human hist amine receptor gene was cloned by polymerase chain reaction and its mRNA wa s injected into Xenopus oocyte. After incubation for 2-3 days, the histamin e receptor was expressed in the cell membrane of the oocyte. When the oocyt e was activated by histamine, a calcium-activated chloride channel was open ed, and the chloride ions in the oocyte flowed to the outside. The chloride ion current intensity was correlated with the histamine concentration. The histamine sensitivity of the oocyte was sufficient to allow comparison wit h other methods histamine analyses, such as enzyme immunoassay or HPLC anal ysis. The oocyte sensor system described here is a new chemical sensor syst em using receptor-mediated biological reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.