Biologically Active Substance
histamine Audio
his·ta·mine [ his-tuh-meen, -min ]
Brand Names:
ActivOn Arthritis; Alo
May Treat:
Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Urticaria
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; DrugInfo; PDR
Definitions related to histamine:
  • A substance released by the immune system when it is exposed to an allergen. Histamines cause many allergy symptoms.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • A substance that has many effects in the body. It is released from some types of white blood cells during allergic reactions. It causes small blood vessels to dilate (widen) and become leaky, which can cause tissues to swell. It also causes smooth muscles to contract, gastric acid to be made, and the heart rate to increase. Histamine is used in tests for allergies, asthma, and gastric acid secretion. It is a type of neurotransmitter.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of HISTIDINE. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • Depressor amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine, present in the secretory granules of mast cells; a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.