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Histamine receptors in human skin: indirect evidence
Author(s) -
GREAVES M. W.,
DAVIES M. G.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1982.tb01040.x
Subject(s) - histamine , histamine receptor , histamine h1 receptor , histamine h4 receptor , receptor , histamine h2 receptor , histaminergic , histamine h3 receptor , histamine h1 antagonists , human skin , antihistamine , vascular permeability , pharmacology , immunology , medicine , endocrinology , biology , agonist , antagonist , genetics
SUMMARY Use of differential effects of agonists and antagonists has provided an experimental basis for subdivision of histamine receptors into H 1 and H 2 . This has enabled classification of the responses to histamine in a wide range of organs and tissues. In human skin the vascular and sensory effects of histamine have been studied, and the influence of histamine on epidermal cell growth has been evaluated in vitro . The direct vasodilator and vascular permeability actions of histamine appear to involve both H 1 and H 1 receptors. However, the axon reflex flare due to histamine appears to be predominantly an H 1 effect. Histamine itch involves H 1 receptors. These findings have prompted clinical evaluation of combined therapy with H 1 and H 2 antagonists in patients with urticaria. Initial results have been encouraging in patients with factitious urticaria. Histamine exerts an inhibitory action on epidermopoiesis in vitro in a number of mammalian epidermal cell outgrowth systems including human explants. The pathophysiological relevance of this effect, which involves epidermal H 2 receptors and which may be cyclic AMP dependent, is unknown.