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histamine
(his´tә-mēn)
an amine, C5H9N3 found in all body tissues, produced by decarboxylation of histidine. It induces numerous physiological changes in the body: capillary dilation, which increases capillary permeability and lowers
blood pressure; contraction of most smooth muscle tissue; increased secretion of gastric acid; and acceleration of the heart rate. It is also a mediator of immediate hypersensitivity. adj., histamin´ic., adj.
histamine phosphate
the phosphate salt of histamine, having the same actions as the base; administered by inhalation to test airway hyperresponsiveness
in diagnosis of asthma,, subcutaneously as a positive control in skin testing for allergy, and as a diagnostic aid to assess production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
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