Evidence for the presence of histamine uptake into the synaptosomes of rat brain

• Histamine has many physiological roles in the brain and periphery. Neuronal histamine is metabolized almost exclusively by histamine N-methyltransferase. Although several neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine have their specific reuptake system in their neurons and glial cells, a specific histamine reuptake system into the corresponding nerve terminals or glial cells has not yet been clearly elucidated. We characterized the uptake of histamine into the P2 fractions of rat brain homogenized in 0.32 mol/l sucrose using in vitro uptake techniques. [3H]histamine uptake increased with the increment of added protein amount and elapsed time. [3H]histamine uptake was also temperature-dependent. The uptake of [3H]histamine into the P2 fractions occurs by two saturable processes, a high-affinity and a low-affinity, characterized by K(m) values of 0.16 and 1.2 micromol/l, respectively. Na(+), Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) ions were essential for the uptake of histamine in P2 fractions. [3H]histamine uptake was inhibited in the presence of several tricyclic antidepressants. In accordance with this, the endogenous release of histamine from brain slices evoked by 100 mmol/l K(+) was augmented in the presence of 20 micromol/l imipramine. These results further support the existence of a specific histamine uptake system in the brain, although the precise molecular entities have not been identified until now.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmaceutiska vetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmaceutical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

PHARMACY

FARMACI

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)