Jakarta –
Histamine is a biological amine produced by white blood cells and widely studied in medicine. According to the book Pharmacology by Herda Ariyani et al, histamine is one of the most important mediators of allergies, inflammation, anaphylaxis and gastric acid secretion.
Apart from its role in allergies, histamine also has several other important roles in the body. Come on, find out more about histamine.
Histamine Is
Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system. Quoting the Cleveland Clinic, this substance plays a role in the emergence of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Allergies are the body’s reaction to proteins or foreign objects.
This protein is not always dangerous. However, if someone has an allergy to a certain protein, the immune system will overreact to the presence of that protein in the body.
A series of reactions causes the release of histamine, which then causes allergy symptoms. These symptoms are usually limited to one area of the body. However, if the immune reaction is severe, it will cause anaphylaxis which affects most of the body.
Histamine Function
Histamine plays an important role in the body’s inflammatory response. The effects of histamine depend on which receptor it binds to. There are four types of histamine receptors:
1. H1 receptor
Humans have H1 receptors throughout the body, including in neurons (brain cells), smooth muscle cells in the airways and blood vessels. Activation of H1 receptors causes allergic symptoms and anaphylaxis leading to:
Itchy skin, dilation of blood vessels, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, flushing, narrowing of the airways, pain, movement of fluid through the walls of blood vessels.
Some of these body changes also result in sneezing, stuffy nose, and runny nose. In addition to allergic reactions receptor 1 also helps regulate:
Sleep wake cycleFood intakeBody temperatureEmotionMemory.
2. H2 receptors
The body has H2 receptors mainly in acid-releasing stomach cells, smooth muscle cells and heart cells. Activation of these receptors causes:
Secretion of gastric acid which helps digestionStimulation of the mucous glands in the airwaysHypotensionHeadacheTachycardiaBronchoconstrictionRed skin.
3. H3 receptors
H3 receptors are mainly involved in the Blood-Brain Barrier, which is the front line of brain protection. These receptors found on neurons in the central nervous system regulate the release of histamine and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine.
4. Reseptor H4
H4 receptors are in the bone marrow and hematopoietic cells (immature cells that can develop into all types of blood cells). This receptor plays a role in the formation of certain blood cells and plays an important role in inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases.
What if the Body Has High Histamine Levels?
When the body has high levels of histamine, histamine intolerance will occur. This can happen if the body cannot break down histamine properly. The symptoms that may be experienced are:
Headaches or migraines Stuffy nose Fatigue Digestive problems Irregular menstruation.
That is an explanation of histamine, its function and conditions if there are too many levels in the body. Hopefully this article helps you.
Watch the video “Scientists Develop ‘Skin Patch’ to Treat Peanut Allergies in Children”
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2023-09-15 08:45:17
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