Studies on functional roles of the histaminergic neuron system by using pharmacological agents, knockout mice and positron emission tomography
Abstract
Since one of us, Takehiko Watanabe (TW), elucidated the location and distribution of the histaminergic neuron system in the brain with antibody raised against L-histidine decarboxylase (a histamine-forming enzyme, HDC) as a marker in 1984 and came to Tohoku University School of Medicine in Sendai, we have been collaborating on the functions of this neuron system by using pharmacological agents, knockout mice of the histamine-related genes, and, in some cases, positron emission tomography (PET). Many of our graduate students and colleagues have been actively involved in histamine research since 1985. Our extensive studies have clarified some of the functions of histamine neurons using methods from molecular techniques to non-invasive human PET imaging. Histamine neurons are involved in many brain functions, such as spontaneous locomotion, arousal in wake-sleep cycle, appetite control, seizures, learning and memory, aggressive behavior and emotion. Particularly, the histaminergic neuron system is one of the most important neuron systems to maintain and stimulate wakefulness. Histamine also functions as a bioprotection system against various noxious and unfavorable stimuli (for examples, convulsion, nociception, drug sensitization...Continue Reading
Citations
Histamine impairs midbrain dopaminergic development in vivo by activating histamine type 1 receptors
Histamine responses of large neostriatal interneurons in histamine H1 and H2 receptor knock-out mice
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