histamine
Inflammation-causing compound
Histamine is a compound released by cells in response to injury, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
It dilates blood vessels, contracts smooth muscles, and triggers the familiar symptoms of allergies—itching, swelling, runny nose, watery eyes.
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine's effects.
My histamine levels spike every spring.
Immune response trigger
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- hay feverAllergic rhinitis from pollen
- allergic rhinitisNasal inflammation from allergens
sneezing · itching · watery eyes · runny nose · eczema · urticaria · wheal · flare
Synaptic chemical messenger
- decarboxylationCarboxyl group elimination
- H1 receptorHistamine-activated membrane protein
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- bronchoconstrictionAirway narrowing from muscle contraction
gastric acid · metabolism · pruritus · chemotaxis · mast cell · basophil · secretion · signaling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- edemaPathological tissue puffiness
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- whealRaised skin lesion
flare · mast cell · cytokines · prostaglandins · irritation · immune response · erythema · pain
Digestive fluid in stomach
- stomach acidDigestive fluid in belly
- ranitidineH2 blocker antacid
- famotidineH2-blocker medication
- omeprazoleGastric acid reducer
peptic ulcer · heartburn · GERD · digestive system · antacid · Zantac · Pepcid
Transformed by microbial action
- aged cheeseRipened curd product
- wineFermented grape beverage
- sauerkrautLacto-fermented cabbage
- kimchiFermented Korean vegetables
soy sauce · fish sauce · cured meat · smoked fish · vinegar · miso · tempeh · kombucha
allergen
Immune response trigger
- hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
- anaphylaxisSevere systemic allergic reaction
- hay feverAllergic rhinitis from pollen
allergic rhinitis · sneezing · itching · watery eyes · runny nose · eczema · urticaria · wheal · flare · mast cell
neurotransmitter
Synaptic chemical messenger
- decarboxylationCarboxyl group elimination
- H1 receptorHistamine-activated membrane protein
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
bronchoconstriction · gastric acid · metabolism · pruritus · chemotaxis · mast cell · basophil · secretion · signaling
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- edemaPathological tissue puffiness
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
wheal · flare · mast cell · cytokines · prostaglandins · irritation · immune response · erythema · pain · heat
gastric acid
Digestive fluid in stomach
- stomach acidDigestive fluid in belly
- ranitidineH2 blocker antacid
- famotidineH2-blocker medication
omeprazole · peptic ulcer · heartburn · GERD · digestive system · antacid · Zantac · Pepcid
fermented
Transformed by microbial action
- aged cheeseRipened curd product
- wineFermented grape beverage
- sauerkrautLacto-fermented cabbage
kimchi · soy sauce · fish sauce · cured meat · smoked fish · vinegar · miso · tempeh · kombucha · tyramine
- Microbial Metabolitesacetate, propionate, lactate, lactic acid, formate
- Neuroactive Compoundsacetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, glycine
- Neurochemicalsacetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine
- stomach anatomymucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa, D cells
- allergiesallergy, allergies, allergen, allergens, allergist
- animal defensespoison, venom, toxin, toxins, horns
histamineantihistamine
Drug blocking allergic response
diphenhydramine · cetirizine · loratadine · Benadryl · Zyrtec
histaminevasoconstrictor
Agent narrowing blood vessels
bronchodilator · epinephrine · adrenaline · norepinephrine · decongestant