Histaminergic neuron system: morphological features and possible functions.
The histaminergic neuron systems in rat brain have been identified by immunocytochemical techniques using antibodies against histidine decarboxylase or histamine itself. Here, the details of the distribution of the histaminergic neuron networks are presented. Judging from the widespread distribution of the nervous system, it is postulated that the histaminergic neuron system is involved in various brain functions. Some functions, including the circadian rhythms, sleep-arousal cycles, drinking, feeding, thermoregulation, and neuroendocrine controls which were elucidated by administration of alpha-fluoromethylhistidine, a suicide substrate for histidine decarboxylase, are discussed here, although the true functions are still under investigations.
Wada
H
H
Department of Pharmacology II, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Inagaki
N
N
Itowi
N
N
Yamatodani
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D006632:Histamine / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D006640:Histidine Decarboxylase / Q000032:analysis; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity
D006632:Histamine; D006640:Histidine Decarboxylase