Covers progress made in histamine research made over the last 20 years. This book presents information about the mechanism of exocytosis, the functions of histaminergic neurons and receptors in CNS, and the presence of histamine in blood and food.

Together with the two previous volumes of the "Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology" on histamine and antihistamines (volume 18, part 1, 1966 and part 2, 1978), the present volume yields a picture of a still rapidly developing field of research. It covers the process in histamine research during the past two decades. As a result of a consensus meeting in Munich in December 1988, a panel of eminent specialists arrived at common recommendations as to the usefulness of the available histamine assays for the most common experimental biomedical conditions. New information is presented about the mechanism of exocytosis. The old question about the role of histamine in the mechanism of gastric secretion and in cardiovascular and respiratory functions has been studied with new techniques, and the role of H1 and H2 receptors discussed. New observations have been made on the occurence and possible functions of histaminergic neurons and histamine receptors in CNS where a new type of receptor, the H3, seems to be widely represented. The structure and structure-activity relationships of H1 and H2 receptor antagonists are extensively treated. The indirect effects of histamine mediated via neuropeptides are discussed. Another topic covered is the presence of histamine in blood and food. New facts about the pathophysiology of histamine in anesthesia and surgery as well as in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer and other gastro-intestinal lesions are presented. Chapters are also devoted to new knowledge about the enzymatic formation and breakdown of histamine and about the distribution of the involved enzymes. The book should be useful for clinicians, practitioners, and researchers working in this exciting field. This monograph on pharmacology/ toxicology, physiology, immunology, dermatology is intended for clinicians and researchers.