Histamine network in atherosclerosis

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2006 Nov;16(8):280-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2006.06.001.

Abstract

Histamine is a low-molecular-weight amine, synthesized from l-histidine by histidine decarboxylase. It has been suggested that the histamine is produced in the atherosclerotic lesion although the activity of histamine has not been clarified completely. To avoid the pharmacologic problems, genetically engineered mice are useful. We recently observed the histidine decarboxylase-gene knockout mice ameliorates' atherosclerotic region, compared with that of the wild-type control mice. The source of histamine in atherosclerotic lesion should be clarified in details; however, it could be macrophage, endothelial cells, and mast cells. All four types of histamine receptors (H1-H4) have the possibilities to be involved in the atherosclerotic regions. Because H1 and H2 receptors are discovered previously, the activities through those receptors are investigated relatively well, but as the other two types of receptors have been cloned recently, their involvement in atherosclerotic lesion should be investigated further.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology*
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control
  • Histamine / physiology*
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Histidine Decarboxylase / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Histamine / physiology

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Receptors, Histamine
  • Histamine
  • Histidine Decarboxylase