Definition:
Histamine is a chemical found in all body tissues stored in mast cells. You can find the highest concentration of histamine in the lungs. Histamine's actions on the body include:
- Dilating capillaries causing them to "leak" large proteins and fluid which causes a drop in blood pressure
- Contracting the muscles in the lungs and GI tract
- Increasing the secretion of gastric juices
- Causing the heart to beat faster
Histamine plays an important role in the following skin diseases:
Source:
"Histamine." Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 31st Ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007. 873.
