histamine

American  

[his-tuh-meen, -min] / ˈhɪs təˌmin, -mɪn /

Also histamin

noun

1. Biochemistry, Physiology. a heterocyclic amine, C 5 H 9 N 3 , released by mast cells when tissue is injured or in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing dilation of small blood vessels and smooth muscle contraction.

2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from histidine and used chiefly in the diagnosis of gastric and circulatory functions.

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histamine British  

/ -mɪn, ˈhɪstəˌmiːn, ˌhɪstəˈmɪnɪk /

noun

1. an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C 5 H 9 N 3 See also antihistamine

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histamine Scientific  

/ hĭs′tə-mēn′ /

1. An organic compound found widely in animals and plants that in humans and other mammals is released as part of the body's immune response, causing physiological changes including dilation of the blood vessels, contraction of smooth muscle (as in the airways), and increased gastric acid secretion. The itching and sneezing typical of respiratory allergies are caused by the release of histamine. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₉ N ₃

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Other Word Forms

• histaminic adjective

Etymology

Origin of histamine

First recorded in 1910–15; hist(idine) + -amine

Example Sentences

These white blood cells are loaded with small sacs called "granules," which are full of enzymes and signaling molecules like histamine.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2024

Another possible culprit is histamine - an ingredient more common in red wine than white or rose.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2023

She is curious how increasing levels of serotonin or histamine in the skin might change what happens in the brain, at the other end of the transmission.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Classic brand names like Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are antihistamines, which can be used to treat, or lessen, that histamine reaction and thus the itch.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2023

ABEL, J. J., AND KUBOTA, S.: On the presence of histamine in the hypophysis cerebri and other tissues of the body and its occurrence among the hydrolytic decomposition products of proteins.

From The Vitamine Manual by Eddy, Walter H.