The role of histamine in ocular allergy

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010:709:43-52. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8056-4_5.

Abstract

Ocular allergy is a disorder affecting increasing numbers of individuals worldwide. Among the inflammatory mediators that contribute to ocular allergy, histamine is perhaps the best characterized. This monoamine is released by sensitized mast cells upon exposure to allergen and causes symptoms such as redness and tearing. Histamine may also recruit immune cells that can cause long-term damage to ocular surfaces. In this chapter we will discuss the known functions of histamine and histamine receptors in ocular allergy and will describe promising therapies targeting the histamine-signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Conjunctiva / immunology
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / drug therapy
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic / immunology*
  • Eye / immunology*
  • Histamine / immunology*
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Receptors, Histamine / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Receptors, Histamine
  • Histamine