Temperature and histamine receptor function--what is really happening?

• Published in: Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology Vol. 63; no. 6; p. 751
• Main Authors: Cook, D A, Krueger, C A, Michalchuk, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01.06.1985
• Subjects: Animals; Chlorpheniramine - pharmacology; Colon - physiology; Guinea Pigs; Histamine - pharmacology; Ileum - physiology; In Vitro Techniques; Metiamide - pharmacology; Muscle Contraction - drug effects; Muscle, Smooth - physiology; Receptors, Histamine - physiology; Temperature
• ISSN: 0008-4212
• DOI: 10.1139/y85-124

Early studies suggested that a low temperatures there was a transition of receptor type from an H1 to an H2 receptor when the temperature was reduced from 37 degrees C to temperatures below 20 degrees C. These original observations were based on the development of sensitivity of guinea-pig ileum to the H2 antagonist metiamide as the temperature was reduced. More recently, evidence from a number of laboratories has cast doubt on the existence of a simple H1-H2 receptor transition, but there is abundant evidence that there are major changes in the response of a variety of smooth muscle preparations to histamine at reduced temperatures. The evidence in regard to alterations in histamine response at low temperatures is reviewed, some new evidence presented, and a model which is consistent with most of the observations is suggested.