Biomedical Aspects Of Histamine

Since its identification by Sir Henry H. Dale a century ago, histamine has become one of the most important multifunctional biogenic amines in the field of biomedicine. The pharmacological effects of histamine are mediated through four types of membrane histamine receptors; H1R, H2R, H3R and H4R, which are all heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptors. It has been known to play the broadest spectrum of activities in various physiological and pathological conditions including cell proliferation, differentiation, hematopoiesis, embryonic development, regeneration, wound healing, aminergic neurotransmission and numerous brain functions, secretion of pituitary hormones, regulation of gastrointestinal and circulatory functions, cardiovascular system, as well as inflammatory reactions, modulation of the immune response, endocrine function and homeostasis, and other important areas. This book is a compendium of the current state of established and investigational literature on Histamine, its receptors and their Agonists and antagonists. It provides a comprehensive overview of histamine biology in the field of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, allergy, neurobiology, pharmacology, microbiology and reproductive biology. The first section on Histamine biology and physiology leads into subsequent sections on enzymology, pharmacology, regulation of the immune system and cell proliferation and role in allergic and other diseases including acid peptic diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune and cancer diseases, nervous system, reproductive functions and hematopoiesis. The compilation of chapters in the book presents the most recent advances in histamine research and bridges the basic and clinical aspects of histamine biology.

A comprehensive and detailed overview of the current state of preclinical research on histamine and histamine receptors. Part of the book focuses on novel approaches to the study of histamine receptors such as polymorphism, genetic linkage, and computational analysis, and on the use of new histaminergic ligands in diseases such as asthma and dermatitis. Several chapters will be devoted to the role of histamine in the control of homeostatic and behavioral responses such as the sleep-wake cycle, regulation of the blood brain barrier, food intake, alertness, itch, and memory formation and consolidation.

This book illustrates the current state-of-the-art in histamine research, with a focus on the appropriate methodologies to investigate the pharmacological properties and the therapeutic exploitation of HRs and their ligands. In addition, the range of techniques described provides an introduction to complementary cross-methodological disciplines beyond these fields. This multi-disciplinary approach is required to define the ‘decision gates’ that determine the development of more effective and safer therapeutic options for many forms of highly prevalent and debilitating diseases, such as asthma, dementias, dermatitis, and arthritis. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters concentrate on practical, hands-on protocols from experts in the techniques. Authoritative and thorough, Histamine Receptors as Drug Targets seeks to aid pharmacologists, biochemists, drug discovery researchers, molecular biologists, chemists, toxicologists, lab scientists, medical doctors, principle investigators, research scientists, lab directors and technicians, as well as graduate students around the world in pursuing the study of this vital scientific area.

This book comprehensively reviews the relationship between micronutrients and brain in health and diseases. It explains the relationship between micronutrients and brain functions, neurogenesis, and cognitive functions. The book also explores the relationship between micronutrients and brain disorders including depression, epilepsy, PD, and Autism. It further explores the recent advancements in understanding the important role of micronutrients as therapeutics in various brain disorders like TBI and AD. Lastly, it presents an overview of micronutrients as neuroprotective agents along with the main principles of nutrigenomics.

H4 R is the newest member of the histamine receptor family, which was discovered about twelve years ago. It is considered a very promising drug target. The effort to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the currently available H4 R ligands is reflected in a steadily growing number of scientific publications and patent applications. Preclinical data strongly confirms the need for novel potent H4 R ligands to explore their therapeutic value in allergy, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and possibly, cancer. Readers will be provided with extensive knowledge on histamine metabolism, as well as cellular histamine transport, storage and release, effects of histamine and histamine receptor ligands, with particular attention to the H4 R, on inflammatory cells including mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. The present knowledge on the regulatory role of histamine and the therapeutic exploitation of histamine receptor ligands in atopic diseases, with emphasis on human and animal models of asthma, allergic dermatitis and pruritus are discussed.

This volume contains a collection of papers based on presentations made at the Reproductive Health Care International Symposium held in Maui, Hawaii, USA, October 1982. The papers evaluate biologic interactions be tween intrauterine contraceptive devices and the host, examine the risks associated with the use of these devices and describe aspects of technical progress in the field. The contributing authors bring their knowledge and expertise from four corners of the world to the readers. The editors wish to express their appreciation to the authors for their valuable contributions, to Carolyn K. Osborn for helpful assistance in editing the manuscripts and to MTP Press for accurate preparation and fine presentation of the material. It is hoped that this volume will serve to expand knowledge and generate further interest among its readers in the dynamic and fascinating field of intrauterine contraception. April, 1984 H.M. Hasson, MD Chicago, Illinois, USA ix 1 Ultrastructure of the decidual response to a progesterone releasing IUD U.M. SPORNITZ. K.S. LUDWIG and M. MALL-HAEFELI INTRODUCTION The ever-increasing world-wide use of the IUD has prompted intensive research into the physiology of its contraceptive action. From these studies it has become clear that the alterations in morphology as well as in the physiological milieu produced by the IUD are manifold and differ greatly with the type of IUD used.

Brain aminergic pathways are organized in parallel and interacting systems, which support a range of functions, from homoeostatic regulations to cognitive, and motivational processes. Despite overlapping functional influences, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine systems provide different contributions to these processes. The histaminergic system, long ignored as a major regulator of the sleep-wake cycle, has now been fully acknowledged also as a major coordinator of attention, learning and memory, decision making. Although histaminergic neurons project widely to the whole brain, they are functionally heterogeneous, a feature which may provide the substrate for differential regulation, in a region-specific manner, of other neurotransmitter systems. Neurochemical preclinical studies have clearly shown that histamine interacts and modulates the release of neurotransmitters that are recognized as major modulators of cognitive processing and motivated behaviours. As a consequence, the histamine system has been proposed as a therapeutic target to treat sleep-wake disorders and cognitive dysfunctions that accompany neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathologies. Last decades have witnessed an unexpected explosion of interest in brain histamine system, as new receptors have been discovered and selective ligands synthesised. Nevertheless, the complete picture of the histamine systems fine-tuning and its orchestration with other pathways remains rather elusive. This Research Topic is intended to offer an inter-disciplinary forum that will improve our current understanding of the role of brain histamine and provide the fundamentals necessary to drive innovation in clinical practice and to improve the management and treatment of neurological disorders.

Enhancing Fertility through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve 'Unexplained' Infertility provides cutting-edge information and solutions to help support the worldwide rise of fertility challenges. It addresses common, yet not commonly known, root causes of oxidative stress that are at the heart of reproductive issues (and all chronic health issues). These solutions can help enhance the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or support women to avoid them altogether. Enhancing Fertility through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve 'Unexplained' Infertility will show you how to improve cell health (including egg and sperm), lower inflammation, balance nervous system functioning, and optimize genetic expression, allowing the body to return to its naturally fertile state. It details information on numerous root causes of health-derailing inflammation and oxidative stress, while the appendices discuss the genetic and biochemical pathways related to these topics. Each chapter also provides easy “Action Steps” that can be implemented immediately. Chapter topics include iron dysregulation; oxalates; mold/mycotoxins; phase 2 liver detoxification pathways; fat utilization; introductory information on genetics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics; everything one needs to know about histamine intolerance; and how these factors adversely affect metabolic and reproductive functions. Enhancing Fertility through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve 'Unexplained' Infertility is the handbook for people wanting to achieve and sustain a healthy pregnancy. It highlights lesser-known causes of fertility challenges the reader can learn how to investigate. This book also serves as a reference guide for practitioners, providing them with additional tools to add to their repertoires when other protocols have not been effective. It may also provide clarity as to why other protocols did not work and will enable the practitioner to custom-tailor protocols for each patient.