What is histamine and what is its function in the body?
Q: What is histamine and what is its function in the body?
A: Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound that is involved in local immune responses, regulates physiological function in the gut, and acts as a neurotransmitter.
Q: What role does histamine play in the inflammatory response?
A: Histamine is involved in the inflammatory response where tissues get red, swollen, and painful. As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues.
Q: How does histamine increase the permeability of the capillaries and why is this important?
A: Histamine increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and some proteins by allowing the cells to get through the walls of the tiny blood vessels to get at pathogens in the infected tissues. This is important because it allows the immune system to access the infected area and start the process of fighting off the pathogens.
Q: Where is histamine produced and by what cells?
A: Histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues.
Q: What are the two tautomers that histamine exists as in water?
A: Histamine in water exists as two tautomers in equilibrium, differing by the position of the hydrogen atom.
Q: What is the role of histamine in physiological function in the gut?
A: Histamine regulates physiological function in the gut, playing a role in digestive processes.
Q: How does histamine act as a neurotransmitter?
A: Histamine acts as a neurotransmitter by transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system.
