title: H1-receptors: localization and role in airway physiology and in immune functions.
abstract: Histamine H(1)-receptors are involved in the pathologic processes of allergy. Clinical trials of H(1)-receptor antagonists have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in reducing the sneezing, pruritus, and rhinorrhea associated with allergic rhinitis. In the lung, H(1)-receptors mediate the bronchoconstrictive effects of histamine and increase vascular permeability, which lead to plasma exudation. H(1)-receptors are present on T cells, B cells, monocytes, and lymphocytes, and stimulation of these receptors induces pro-inflammatory effects. It has been suggested that a signal from the H(1)-receptor contributes to the antigen receptor-mediated signaling pathways that induce proliferative responses and lead to the production of cytokines and antibodies by T cells and B cells, respectively. It would appear, therefore, that the H(1)-receptor has a wider role in inflammatory processes than simply mediating the actions of histamine.
authors.affiliation: Divisions of Clinical Immunology and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Alkis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Togias
mesh_terms: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000502:physiology; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000502:physiology; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000276:immunology / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011969:Receptors, Histamine H1 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D011969:Receptors, Histamine H1