Histamine

M E A Kemp

Histamine

Authors

M E A Kemp University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3061-5033

Keywords:

histamine structure, function, role in anaphylaxis, anti-histamine drugs

Abstract

Histamine has at least twenty-three known physiological functions, including playing a prominent role in immunologically mediated inflammation. The structure and metabolism of histamine is discussed, together with the various types of histamine receptors. Histamine plays a role in anaphylaxis, mast cell activation syndromes and mastocytosis and these conditions are relevant to anaesthetic practice. The antihistamine drugs and the H2 receptors agonists are discussed with regard to their role in anaesthesia.

Author Biography

M E A Kemp, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Anaesthesia, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

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Published

2020-11-13

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 6 (2020)

Section

FCA 1 Anaesthetic Refresher Course 2020

License

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