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Release stimulation

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Histamine is usually released by degranulation of the storing cell. This is triggered by a rise in intracellular calcium. Mechanisms which produce this rise include:

  • complement components C3a and C5a binding to receptors on the cell surface
  • binding of IgE to cell surface in association with antigen
  • histamine-releasing factors from various leukocytes e.g. neutrophils
  • platelet activation e.g. contact with collagen, antigen-antibody complexes
  • physical agents e.g. cold or trauma
  • the cytokine interleukin-1

Release is less likely if cyclic AMP concentration is elevated. Beta-adrenoceptor agonists may modulate histamine-producing cells in this way.

Once released, the effects of histamine are reduced by:

  • diffusion away from the site
  • histaminase enzymes
  • acetylation

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