InstalabHistamine Test
A signaling molecule that regulates allergy, stomach acid, and brain function, with effects ranging from itching to inflammation.
The Science
About Histamine
- H1 receptors control allergic responses, including skin itching (pruritus), nasal congestion, swelling, and bronchoconstriction (airway narrowing). They also influence wakefulness and alertness.
- H2 receptors primarily regulate stomach acid production and influence heart function. H2 blockers like famotidine reduce acid reflux by targeting this receptor.
- H3 receptors are located mostly in the brain and help regulate the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, affecting wakefulness, appetite, and cognition.
- H4 receptors are primarily involved in immune cell function, influencing allergic inflammation and autoimmune responses.