Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound formed from histidine: Histamine is an amine that acts as a neurotransmitter and local immune system mediator.
   • A substance involved in allergic and inflammatory responses: It is stored in mast cells and basophils and is released during allergic reactions, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, and dilation of blood vessels.
   • A stimulant of gastric acid secretion: Histamine also plays a key role in regulating stomach acid production.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The allergic reaction caused a release of histamine.
  • Antihistamine medications work by blocking the effects of histamine.
  • Histamine is responsible for the redness and swelling around the insect bite.

Advanced Usage

• "Histamine release": The process by which histamine is discharged from cells, typically triggering an inflammatory response.
  • The allergen triggered immediate histamine release from the mast cells.
• "Histamine receptor": A type of protein on cell surfaces that histamine binds to in order to exert its effects.
  • Different types of histamine receptors mediate different physiological responses.

Variants and Related Words

• Histaminergic (adj): Relating to or involving histamine or its action.
  • Histaminergic neurons are involved in wakefulness.
• Histaminic (adj): Pertaining to or caused by histamine.
  • The patient exhibited a strong histaminic response.
• Antihistamine (n): A drug that counteracts the effects of histamine.
  • She took an antihistamine for her hay fever.

Synonyms

• Biogenic amine: A class of amines, including histamine, with important biological activity.
• Inflammatory mediator: A substance, like histamine, that promotes inflammation.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Histamine intolerance: A condition where the body cannot adequately break down ingested histamine.
  • People with histamine intolerance must follow a low-histamine diet.
• Histamine H2-receptor antagonist: A class of drugs that block histamine action in the stomach, reducing acid production.
  • H2-receptor antagonists are used to treat ulcers and heartburn.

Noun

1. amine formed from histidine that stimulates gastric secretions and dilates blood vessels; released by the human immune system during allergic reactions