Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781305957404
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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**Histamine and Its Physiological Effects**

Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses, regulating physiological function in the gut, and acting as a neurotransmitter. Here is a detailed description of the histamine molecule and its physiological effects.

### Structure of Histamine

The image illustrates the chemical structure of histamine:
- It consists of an imidazole ring (a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms) attached to an ethylamine chain.

### Physiological Effects of Histamine

1. **Immune Response**: Histamine plays a central role in the body's immune response. It is released by mast cells and basophils in response to allergens, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness.

2. **Gastric Acid Secretion**: It stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid, aiding in digestion.

3. **Neurotransmission**: In the central nervous system, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter, involved in wakefulness and alertness.

4. **Vasodilation**: It causes the dilation of blood vessels, increasing their permeability, which can lead to inflammation and other allergic symptoms.

5. **Bronchoconstriction**: Histamine can cause the constriction of bronchial smooth muscle, which is significant in conditions like asthma.

Understanding the effects of histamine is essential for the treatment of allergic reactions, gastric disorders, and certain neurological conditions.
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Transcribed Image Text:**Histamine and Its Physiological Effects** Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses, regulating physiological function in the gut, and acting as a neurotransmitter. Here is a detailed description of the histamine molecule and its physiological effects. ### Structure of Histamine The image illustrates the chemical structure of histamine: - It consists of an imidazole ring (a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms) attached to an ethylamine chain. ### Physiological Effects of Histamine 1. **Immune Response**: Histamine plays a central role in the body's immune response. It is released by mast cells and basophils in response to allergens, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, and redness. 2. **Gastric Acid Secretion**: It stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete acid, aiding in digestion. 3. **Neurotransmission**: In the central nervous system, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter, involved in wakefulness and alertness. 4. **Vasodilation**: It causes the dilation of blood vessels, increasing their permeability, which can lead to inflammation and other allergic symptoms. 5. **Bronchoconstriction**: Histamine can cause the constriction of bronchial smooth muscle, which is significant in conditions like asthma. Understanding the effects of histamine is essential for the treatment of allergic reactions, gastric disorders, and certain neurological conditions.
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