Histamine alters gene expression in cultured human nasal epithelial cells.
BACKGROUND
Airway epithelial cells produce cytokines and participate in the regulation of mucosal immunity. Although nasal epithelial cells express histamine receptors, it is not exactly known how nasal epithelial cells respond to histamine.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine whether histamine can alter the expression of the 4 genes encoding H1 receptor, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and ZO-1 tight-junction protein in cultured nasal epithelial cells.


METHODS
We added histamine or vehicle to cultured human nasal epithelial cells and extracted RNA from them 4 hours later. After DNase treatment, mRNAs of beta-actin, H1 receptor, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and ZO-1 tight-junction protein were amplified by using RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Histamine significantly upregulated IL-8 mRNA expression and significantly downregulated ZO-1 mRNA expression. The latter effect was blocked by pretreatment with mepyramine, an H1 receptor antagonist.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction of ZO-1 mRNA by histamine may cause increased permeability of the mucosa during allergic reactions in the nose.
Takeuchi
K
K
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan.
Kishioka
C
C
Ishinaga
H
H
Sakakura
Y
Y
Majima
Y
Y
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006632:Histamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D011738:Pyrilamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011969:Receptors, Histamine H1 / Q000235:genetics; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011969:Receptors, Histamine H1; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D006632:Histamine; D011899:Ranitidine; D011738:Pyrilamine