Pathophysiological roles

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ROLES

  • Gastric secretion
    • Histamine has a dominant physiological role in mediating secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach through the H2 receptors.
    • H2 blockers block acid secretion and also diminish the secretion in response to acetylcholine and gastrin.
  • Allergic phenomema
    • Histamine is one of the mediators of allergy and plays a role in causing urticaria, angioedema, bronchoconstriction and anaphylactic shock.
  • Transmitter
    • Histamine is believed to be a transmitter also in CNS, which initiates the sensation of itch and pain at the sensory nerves.
  • Inflammation
    • Histamine has been implicated as a mediator of vasodilatation and other changes that occur during inflammation.
  • Tissue growth and repair
    • Histamine is suggested to play an important role in tissue growth and repair.
  • Headache
    • Histamine has been implicated in certain vascular headaches.
Last modified: Tuesday, 15 May 2012, 7:45 AM