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Histamine in the chick pineal gland: Origin, metabolism, and effects on the pineal function
Author(s) -
Nowak Jerzy Z.,
Zawilska Jolanta B.,
WoldanTambor Agata,
Sçk Barbara,
Voisin Pierre,
Lintunen Minnamaija,
Panula Pertti
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1997.tb00299.x
Subject(s) - histamine , histidine decarboxylase , pineal gland , melatonin , medicine , endocrinology , biology , histamine n methyltransferase , enzyme , metabolism , chemistry , histidine , biochemistry , histamine h2 receptor , receptor , antagonist
Nowak JZ, Zawilska JB, Woldan‐Tambor A, Sçk B, Voisin P, Lintunen M, Panula P. Histamine in the chick pineal gland: Origin, metabolism, and effects on the pineal function. J Pineal Res. 1997; 22:26–32. © Munksgaard, Copenhagen Abstract The chick pineal gland contains histamine and tele‐ methylhistamine. The levels of both substances are elevated after treatment of chicks with the amino acid precursor of histamine, L‐histidine (1 g/kg, ip). In control and L‐histidine‐loaded animals the pineal levels of histamine and tele ‐methylhistamine are higher in light‐exposed than in dark‐adapted animals (measured at the end of the light phase and in the middle of the dark phase of 12 hr light, 12 hr dark illumination cycle, respectively). The chick pineal gland contains histamine‐immunofluorescent cells displaying mast cell morphology; they are seen in the vicinity of the capsule and in the parenchyma. Enzymatic studies showed the presence of the activity of histamine synthesizing and inactivating enzyme, i.e., L‐histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and histamine‐methyltransferase (HMT). The detected enzyme activities were sensitive to specific inhibitors of HDC (α‐fluoromethylhistidine and α‐hydrazinohistidine) and HMT (quinacrine and metoprine); inhibitors of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase α‐methyl‐DOPA and NSD‐1015 were inactive on HDC. Exogenous histamine added to organ‐cultured chick pineals strongly stimulated endogenous cyclic AMP accumulation and moderately increased melatonin secretion. The data, considered collectively, suggest that in avians histamine, probably originating from the pineal mast cell compartment, may function as a regulator of pineal gland activity.