Impaired locomotor activity and exploratory behavior in mice lacking histamine H1 receptors

Mast cell histamine-mediated transient inflammation following exposure to nickel promotes nickel allergy in mice

We previously reported that allergic responses to nickel (Ni) were minimal in mice deficient in the histamine-forming enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC-KO), suggesting an involvement of histamine in allergic responses to Ni. However, it remains unclear how histamine is involved in the process of Ni allergy. Here, we examined the role of histamine in Ni allergy using a murine model previously established by us. Mice were sensitized to Ni by intraperitoneal injection of a NiCl2 -lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mixture. Ten days later, allergic inflammation was elicited by challenging ear-pinnas intradermally with NiCl2 . Then, ear-swelling was measured. Pyrilamine (histamine H1-receptor antagonist) or cromoglicate (mast cell stabilizer) was intravenously injected 1 h before the sensitization or the challenge. In cell-transfer experiments, spleen cells from Ni-sensitized donor mice were intravenously transferred into non-sensitized recipient mice. In both sensitized and non-sensitized mice, 1 mm or more NiCl2 (injected into ear-pinnas) induced transient non-allergic inflammation (Ni-TI) with accompanying mast cell degranulation. LPS did not affect the magnitude of this Ni-TI. Pyrilamine and cromoglicate reduced either the Ni-TI or the ensuing allergic inflammation when administered before Ni-TI (at either the sensitization or elicitation step), but not if administered when the Ni-TI had subsided. Experiments on HDC-KO and H1-receptor-KO mice, and also cell-transfer experiments using these mice, demonstrated histamine's involvement in both the sensitization and elicitation steps. These results suggest that mast cell histamine-mediated Ni-TI promotes subsequent allergic inflammatory responses to Ni, raising the possibility that control of Ni-TI by drugs may be effective at preventing or reducing Ni allergy.

The Histaminergic Tuberomamillary Nucleus Is Involved in Appetite for Sex, Water and Amphetamine

The histaminergic system is one component of the ascending arousal system which is involved in wakefulness, neuroendocrine control, cognition, psychiatric disorders and motivation. During the appetitive phase of motivated behaviors the arousal state rises to an optimal level, thus giving proper intensity to the behavior. Previous studies have demonstrated that the histaminergic neurons show an earlier activation during the appetitive phase of feeding, compared to other ascending arousal system nuclei, paralleled with a high increase in arousal state. Lesions restricted to the histaminergic neurons in rats reduced their motivation to get food even after 24 h of food deprivation, compared with intact or sham lesioned rats. Taken together, these findings indicate that the histaminergic system is important for appetitive behavior related to feeding. However, its role in other goal-directed behaviors remains unexplored. In the present work, male rats rendered motivated to obtain water, sex, or amphetamine showed an increase in Fos-ir of histaminergic neurons in appetitive behaviors directed to get those reinforcers. However, during appetitive tests to obtain sex, or drug in amphetamine-conditioned rats, Fos expression increased in most other ascending arousal system nuclei, including the orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, dorsal raphe, locus coeruleus and laterodorsal tegmental neurons, but not in the ventral tegmental area, which showed no Fos-ir increase in any of the 3 conditions. Importantly, all these appetitive behaviors were drastically reduced after histaminergic cell-specific lesion, suggesting a critical contribution of histamine on the intensity component of several appetitive behaviors.

Role of histamine H1-receptor on behavioral states and wake maintenance during deficiency of a brain activating system: A study using a knockout mouse model

Using knockout (KO) mice lacking the histamine (HA)-synthesizing enzyme (histidine decarboxylase, HDC), we have previously shown the importance of histaminergic neurons in maintaining wakefulness (W) under behavioral challenges. Since the central actions of HA are mediated by several receptor subtypes, it remains to be determined which one(s) could be responsible for such a role. We have therefore compared the cortical-EEG, sleep and W under baseline conditions or behavioral/pharmacological stimuli in littermate wild-type (WT) and H1-receptor KO (H1-/-) mice. We found that H1-/- mice shared several characteristics with HDC KO mice, i.e. 1) a decrease in W after lights-off despite its normal baseline daily amount; 2) a decreased EEG slow wave sleep (SWS)/W power ratio; 3) inability to maintain W in response to behavioral challenges demonstrated by a decreased sleep latency when facing various stimuli. These effects were mediated by central H1-receptors. Indeed, in WT mice, injection of triprolidine, a brain-penetrating H1-receptor antagonist increased SWS, whereas ciproxifan (H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist) elicited W; all these injections had no effect in H1-/- mice. Finally, H1-/- mice showed markedly greater changes in EEG power (notably in the 0.8-5 Hz band) and sleep-wake cycle than in WT mice after application of a cholinergic antagonist or an indirect agonist, i.e., scopolamine or physostigmine. Hence, the role of HA in wake-promotion is largely ensured by H1-receptors. An upregulated cholinergic system may account for a quasi-normal daily amount of W in HDC or H1-receptor KO mice and likely constitutes a major compensatory mechanism when the brain is facing deficiency of an activating system. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.

On the Role of Histamine Receptors in the Regulation of Circadian Rhythms

Several lines of evidence suggest a regulatory role of histamine in circadian rhythms, but little is known about signaling pathways that would be involved in such a putative role. The aim of this study was to examine whether histamine mediates its effects on the circadian system through Hrh1 or Hrh3 receptors. We assessed both diurnal and free-running locomotor activity rhythms of Hrh1-/- and Hrh3-/- mice. We also determined the expression of Per1, Per2 and Bmal1 genes in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, several areas of the cerebral cortex and striatum under symmetric 24 h light-dark cycle at zeitgeber times 14 and 6 by using radioactive in situ hybridization. We found no differences between Hrh1-/- and wild type mice in the length, amplitude and mesor of diurnal and free-running activity rhythms as well as in expression of Per1, Per2 and Bmal1 genes in any of the examined brain structures. The amplitude of free-running activity rhythm of the Hrh3-/- mice was significantly flattened, whereas the expression of the clock genes in Hrh3-/- mice was similar to the wild type animals in all of the assessed brain structures. Therefore, the knockout of Hrh1 receptor had no effects on the circadian rhythm of spontaneous locomotion, and a knockout of Hrh3 receptor caused a substantial reduction of free-running activity rhythm amplitude, but none of these knockout models affected the expression patterns of the core clock genes in any of the studied brain structures.

The effect of histamine on changes in mental energy and fatigue after a single bout of exercise

The purpose of this research was to determine if histamine, acting on brain H1 receptors, influences changes in feelings of energy and fatigue or cognitive test performance after acute exercise. Women (n=20) with low vigor and high fatigue were administered the H1 antagonist drug doxepin hydrocholoride (6 mg) in tomato juice and tomato juice alone (placebo) in a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over experiment before performing 30 min of light intensity cycling exercise and completing energy, fatigue, sleepiness, and motivation scales, and cognitive tasks. After exercise, mental fatigue increased for the doxepin condition (p=0.014) but not placebo (p=0.700), while mental energy decreased for both PLA and DOX (p<0.001) and cognitive task performance was unaffected. It is inferred that histamine binding to H1 receptors in the brain has a role in exercise-induced reductions in mental fatigue, but not increases in energy.

Histamine H1 receptor occupancy by the new-generation antipsychotics olanzapine and quetiapine: a positron emission tomography study in healthy volunteers

RATIONALE

Histamine H1 antagonists have hypnotic, appetite-promoting, and sedative side effects. Most second-generation antipsychotics have potent antagonistic effects on histamine H1 receptor (H1R). Positron emission tomography (PET) can measure the H1R occupancy (H1RO) in vivo, although there are no reports regarding antipsychotics.

OBJECTIVES

We studied the H1RO of olanzapine and quetiapine in vivo with respect to their plasma concentrations and subjective drowsiness by performing human PET imaging studies with [(11)C]doxepin, a potent PET ligand of H1R.

METHODS

Six healthy Japanese male volunteers were enrolled. Cross-randomized PET imaging was performed after a single oral administration of olanzapine (2.5 mg), quetiapine (25 mg), or placebo. PET data were analyzed by region of interest and voxel-by-voxel analysis. We concurrently measured plasma drug concentrations by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and evaluated subjective sleepiness.

RESULTS

The binding potential ratios of olanzapine and quetiapine in the cerebral cortex were significantly lower than that of the placebo. The H1RO values of olanzapine and quetiapine in the cortex were approximately 61-80 and 56-81%, respectively. The binding potential ratios of the drugs were significantly lower than that of the placebo in the dorsolateral prefrontal and lateral temporal cortices, and anterior and posterior cingulate gyri. The H1RO values in the cortex were significantly correlated with subjective sleepiness but not plasma drug concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Olanzapine and quetiapine have high H1RO values in the human brain under their clinical minimum doses. This study provides a foundation of the properties by which new-generation antipsychotics block the central histaminergic system in humans.

Elephantid Genomes Reveal the Molecular Bases of Woolly Mammoth Adaptations to the Arctic

Woolly mammoths and living elephants are characterized by major phenotypic differences that have allowed them to live in very different environments. To identify the genetic changes that underlie the suite of woolly mammoth adaptations to extreme cold, we sequenced the nuclear genome from three Asian elephants and two woolly mammoths, and we identified and functionally annotated genetic changes unique to woolly mammoths. We found that genes with mammoth-specific amino acid changes are enriched in functions related to circadian biology, skin and hair development and physiology, lipid metabolism, adipose development and physiology, and temperature sensation. Finally, we resurrected and functionally tested the mammoth and ancestral elephant TRPV3 gene, which encodes a temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) channel involved in thermal sensation and hair growth, and we show that a single mammoth-specific amino acid substitution in an otherwise highly conserved region of the TRPV3 channel strongly affects its temperature sensitivity.

Fasting activated histaminergic neurons and enhanced arousal effect of caffeine in mice

Caffeine, a popular psychoactive compound, promotes wakefulness via blocking adenosine A2A receptors in the shell of the nucleus accumbens, which projects to the arousal histaminergic tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN). The TMN controls several behaviors such as wakefulness and feeding. Fasting has been reported to activate the TMN histaminergic neurons to increase arousal. Therefore, we propose that caffeine may promote greater arousal under fasting rather than normal feeding conditions. In the current study, locomotor activity recording, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram recording and c-Fos expression were used in wild type (WT) and histamine H1 receptor (H1R) knockout (KO) mice to investigate the arousal effects of caffeine under fasting conditions. Caffeine (15mg/kg) enhanced locomotor activity in fasted mice for 5h, but only did so for 3h in normally fed animals. Pretreatment with the H1R antagonist pyrilamine abolished caffeine-induced stimulation on locomotor activity in fasted mice. EEG recordings confirmed that caffeine-induced wakefulness for 3h in fed WT mice, and for 5h in fasted ones. A stimulatory effect of caffeine was not observed in fasted H1R KO mice. Furthermore, c-Fos expression was increased in the TMN under fasting conditions. These results indicate that caffeine had greater wakefulness-promoting effects in fasted mice through the mediation of H1R.

Interactions of the orexin/hypocretin neurones and the histaminergic system

Histaminergic and orexin/hypocretin systems are components in the brain wake-promoting system. Both are affected in the sleep disorder narcolepsy, but the role of histamine in narcolepsy is unclear. The histaminergic neurones are activated by the orexin/hypocretin system in rodents, and the development of the orexin/hypocretin neurones is bidirectionally regulated by the histaminergic system in zebrafish. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the interactions of these two systems in normal and pathological conditions in humans and different animal models.

Selective Modulation of Histaminergic Inputs on Projection Neurons of Cerebellum Rapidly Promotes Motor Coordination via HCN Channels

Insights into function of central histaminergic system, a general modulator originating from the hypothalamus for whole brain activity, in motor control are critical for understanding the mechanism underlying somatic-nonsomatic integration. Here, we show a novel selective role of histamine in the cerebellar nuclei, the final integrative center and output of the cerebellum. Histamine depolarizes projection neurons but not interneurons in the cerebellar nuclei via the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels coupled to histamine H2 receptors, which are exclusively expressed on glutamatergic and glycinergic projection neurons. Furthermore, blockage of HCN channels to block endogenous histaminergic afferent inputs in the cerebellar nuclei significantly attenuates motor balance and coordination. Therefore, through directly and quickly modulation on projection neurons but not interneurons in the cerebellar nuclei, central histaminergic system may act as a critical biasing force to not only promptly regulate ongoing movement but also realize a rapid integration of somatic and nonsomatic response.

The human histaminergic system in neuropsychiatric disorders

Histaminergic neurons are exclusively located in the hypothalamic tuberomamillary nucleus, from where they project to many brain areas. The histaminergic system is involved in basic physiological functions, such as the sleep-wake cycle, energy and endocrine homeostasis, sensory and motor functions, cognition, and attention, which are all severely affected in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we present recent postmortem findings on the alterations in this system in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), depression, and narcolepsy. In addition, we highlight the need to validate animal models for these diseases and also for Tourette's syndrome (TS) in relation to alterations in the histaminergic system. Moreover, we discuss the potential for, and concerns over, the use of novel histamine 3 receptor (H3R) antagonists/inverse agonists as treatment for such disorders.

Brain histamine H1 receptor occupancy measured by PET after oral administration of levocetirizine, a non-sedating antihistamine

OBJECTIVE

Histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonists often have sedative side effects, which are caused by the blockade of the neural transmission of the histaminergic neurons. We examined the brain H1R occupancy (H1RO) and the subjective sleepiness of levocetirizine, a new second-generation antihistamine, comparing fexofenadine, another non-sedating antihistamine, as a negative active control.

METHODS

Eight healthy volunteers underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [(11)C]doxepin, a PET tracer that specifically binds to H1Rs, after a single oral administration of levocetirizine (5 mg), fexofenadine (60 mg) or placebo in a double-blind crossover study. Binding potential ratios and H1ROs in the cerebral cortices regions were calculated using placebo. Subjective sleepiness was assessed with the Line Analogue Rating Scale and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the mean brain H1RO after levocetirizine administration (8.1%; 95% CI: -9.8 to 26.0%) and fexofenadine administration (-8.0%; 95% CI: -26.7 to 10.6%). Similarly, subjective sleepiness was not significantly different between the two antihistamines and placebo. Neither subjective sleepiness nor plasma concentrations was significantly correlated with the brain H1RO of the two antihistamines.

CONCLUSION

At therapeutic dose, levocetirizine does not bind significantly to the brain H1Rs and does not induce significant sedation.

Postsynaptic mechanisms underlying the excitatory action of histamine on medial vestibular nucleus neurons in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Anti-histaminergic drugs have been widely used in the clinical treatment of vestibular disorders and most studies concentrate on their presynaptic actions. The present study investigated the postsynaptic effect of histamine on medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons and the underlying mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Histamine-induced postsynaptic actions on MVN neurons and the corresponding receptor and ionic mechanisms were detected by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on rat brain slices. The distribution of postsynaptic histamine H₁, H₂ and H₄ receptors was mapped by double and single immunostaining. Furthermore, the expression of mRNAs for H₁, H₂ and H₄ receptors and for subtypes of Na⁺ -Ca²⁺ exchangers (NCXs) and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels was assessed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

KEY RESULTS

A marked postsynaptic excitatory effect, co-mediated by histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors, was involved in the histamine-induced depolarization of MVN neurons. Postsynaptic H₁ and H₂ rather than H₄ receptors were co-localized in the same MVN neurons. NCXs contributed to the inward current mediated by H₁ receptors, whereas HCN channels were responsible for excitation induced by activation of H₂ receptors. Moreover, NCX1 and NCX3 rather than NCX2, and HCN1 rather than HCN2-4 mRNAs, were abundantly expressed in MVN.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

NCXs coupled to H₁ receptors and HCN channels linked to H₂ receptors co-mediate the strong postsynaptic excitatory action of histamine on MVN neurons. These results highlight an active role of postsynaptic mechanisms in the modulation by central histaminergic systems of vestibular functions and suggest potential targets for clinical treatment of vestibular disorders.

Impaired spatial learning and reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis in histamine H1-receptor knockout mice

The histamine H1-receptor (H1R) is expressed in wide parts of the brain including the hippocampus, which is involved in spatial learning and memory. Previous studies in H1R knockout (H1R-KO) mice revealed deficits in a variety of learning and memory tasks. It was also proposed that H1R activation is crucial for neuronal differentiation of neural progenitors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate negatively reinforced spatial learning in the water-maze and to assess survival and neuronal differentiation of newborn cells in the adult hippocampus of H1R-KO mice. H1R-KO and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to the following sequence of tests: (a) cued version, (b) place learning, (c) spatial probe, (d) long-term retention and (e) reversal learning. Furthermore hippocampal neurogenesis in terms of survival and differentiation was assessed in H1R-KO and WT mice. H1R-KO mice showed normal cued learning, but impaired place and reversal learning as well as impaired long-term retention performance. In addition, a marked reduction of newborn neurons in the hippocampus but no changes in differentiation of neural progenitors into neuronal and glial lineage was found in H1R-KO mice. Our data suggest that H1R deficiency in mice is associated with pronounced deficits in hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory. Furthermore, we herein provide first evidence that H1R deficiency in the mouse leads to a reduced neurogenesis. However, the exact mechanisms for the reduced number of cells in H1R-KO mice remain elusive and might be due to a reduced survival of newborn hippocampal neurons and/or a reduction in cell proliferation.

Histamine receptors expressed in circulating progenitor cells have reciprocal actions in ligation-induced arteriosclerosis

Histamine is synthesized as a low-molecular-weight amine from L-histidine by histidine decarboxylase (HDC). Recently, we demonstrated that carotid artery-ligated HDC gene-deficient mice (HDC(-/-)) showed less neointimal formation than wild-type (WT) mice, indicating that histamine participates in the process of arteriosclerosis. However, little is known about the roles of histamine-specific receptors (HHRs) in arteriosclerosis. To define the roles of HHRs in arteriosclerosis, we investigated intimal remodeling in ligated carotid arteries of HHR-deficient mice (H1R(-/-) or H2R(-/-)). Quantitative analysis showed that H1R(-/-) mice had significantly less arteriosclerogenesis, whereas H2R(-/-) mice had more, as compared with WT mice. Bone marrow transplantation from H1R(-/-) or H2R(-/-) to WT mice confirmed the above observation. Furthermore, the increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), adhesion molecules and liver X receptor (LXR)-related inflammatory signaling factors, including Toll-like receptor (TLR3), interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R), was consistent with the arteriosclerotic phenotype of H2R(-/-) mice. Peripheral progenitor cells in H2R(-/-) mice accelerate ligation-induced arteriosclerosis through their regulation of MCP-1, PDGF, adhesion molecules and LXR-related inflammatory signaling factors. In contrast, peripheral progenitor cells act to suppress arteriosclerosis in H1R(-/-) mice, indicating that HHRs reciprocally regulate inflammation in the ligation-induced arteriosclerosis.

Histaminergic afferent system in the cerebellum: structure and function

Histaminergic afferent system of the cerebellum, having been considered as an essential component of the direct hypothalamocerebellar circuits, originates from the tuberomammillary nucleus in the hypothalamus. Unlike the mossy fibers and climbing fibers, the histaminergic afferent fibers, a third type of cerebellar afferents, extend fine varicose fibers throughout the cerebellar cortex and nuclei. Histamine receptors, belonging to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, are widely present in the cerebellum. Through these histamine receptors, histamine directly excites Purkinje cells and granule cells in the cerebellar cortex, as well as the cerebellar nuclear neurons. Therefore, the histaminergic afferents parallelly modulate these dominant components in the cerebellar circuitry and consequently influence the final output of the cerebellum. In this way, the histaminergic afferent system actively participates in the cerebellum-mediated motor balance and coordination and nonsomatic functions. Accordingly, histaminergic reagents may become potential drugs for clinical treatment of cerebellar ataxia and other cerebellar disease. On the other hand, considering the hypothalamus is a high regulatory center for autonomic and visceral activities, the hypothalamocerebellar histaminergic fibers/projections, bridging the nonsomatic center to somatic structure, may play a critical role in the somatic-nonsomatic integration.

Estrogenic regulation of histamine receptor subtype H1 expression in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in female rats

Female sexual behavior is controlled by central estrogenic action in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). This region plays a pivotal role in facilitating sex-related behavior in response to estrogen stimulation via neural activation by several neurotransmitters, including histamine, which participates in this mechanism through its strong neural potentiating action. However, the mechanism through which estrogen signaling is linked to the histamine system in the VMN is unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between estrogen and histamine receptor subtype H1 (H1R), which is a potent subtype among histamine receptors in the brain. We show localization of H1R exclusively in the ventrolateral subregion of the female VMN (vl VMN), and not in the dorsomedial subregion. In the vl VMN, abundantly expressed H1R were mostly colocalized with estrogen receptor α. Intriguingly, H1R mRNA levels in the vl VMN were significantly elevated in ovariectomized female rats treated with estrogen benzoate. These data suggest that estrogen can amplify histamine signaling by enhancing H1R expression in the vl VMN. This enhancement of histamine signaling might be functionally important for allowing neural excitation in response to estrogen stimulation of the neural circuit and may serve as an accelerator of female sexual arousal.

The modulatory role of spinally located histamine receptors in the regulation of the blood glucose level in d-glucose-fed mice

The possible roles of spinal histamine receptors in the regulation of the blood glucose level were studied in ICR mice. Mice were intrathecally (i.t.) treated with histamine 1 (H1) receptor agonist (2-pyridylethylamine) or antagonist (cetirizine), histamine 2 (H2) receptor agonist (dimaprit) or antagonist (ranitidine), histamine 3 (H3) receptor agonist (α-methylhistamine) or antagonist (carcinine) and histamine 4 (H4) receptor agonist (VUF 8430) or antagonist (JNJ 7777120), and the blood glucose level was measured at 30, 60 and 120 min after i.t. administration. The i.t. injection with α-methylhistamine, but not carcinine slightly caused an elevation of the blood glucose level. In addition, histamine H1, H2, and H4 receptor agonists and antagonists did not affect the blood glucose level. In D-glucose-fed model, i.t. pretreatment with cetirizine enhanced the blood glucose level, whereas 2-pyridylethylamine did not affect. The i.t. pretreatment with dimaprit, but not ranitidine, enhanced the blood glucose level in D-glucose-fed model. In addition, α-methylhistamine, but not carcinine, slightly but significantly enhanced the blood glucose level D-glucose-fed model. Finally, i.t. pretreatment with JNJ 7777120, but not VUF 8430, slightly but significantly increased the blood glucose level. Although histamine receptors themselves located at the spinal cord do not exert any effect on the regulation of the blood glucose level, our results suggest that the activation of spinal histamine H2 receptors and the blockade of spinal histamine H1 or H3 receptors may play modulatory roles for up-regulation and down-regulation, respectively, of the blood glucose level in D-glucose fed model.

G proteins Gαi1/3 are critical targets for Bordetella pertussis toxin-induced vasoactive amine sensitization

Pertussis toxin (PTX) is an AB5-type exotoxin produced by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. In vivo intoxication with PTX elicits a variety of immunologic and inflammatory responses, including vasoactive amine sensitization (VAAS) to histamine (HA), serotonin (5-HT), and bradykinin (BDK). Previously, by using a forward genetic approach, we identified the HA H1 receptor (Hrh1/H1R) as the gene in mice that controls differential susceptibility to B. pertussis PTX-induced HA sensitization (Bphs). Here we show, by using inbred strains of mice, F1 hybrids, and segregating populations, that, unlike Bphs, PTX-induced 5-HT sensitivity (Bpss) and BDK sensitivity (Bpbs) are recessive traits and are separately controlled by multiple loci unlinked to 5-HT and BDK receptors, respectively. Furthermore, we found that PTX sensitizes mice to HA independently of Toll-like receptor 4, a purported receptor for PTX, and that the VAAS properties of PTX are not dependent upon endothelial caveolae or endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Finally, by using mice deficient in individual Gαi/o G-protein subunits, we demonstrate that Gαi1 and Gαi3 are the critical in vivo targets of ADP-ribosylation underlying VAAS elicited by PTX exposure.

Histamine H₁ receptor occupancy by the new-generation antidepressants fluvoxamine and mirtazapine: a positron emission tomography study in healthy volunteers

RATIONALE

Histamine H₁ antagonists have hypnotic, appetite-promoting, and sedative effects. The affinities of various antidepressants for histamine receptors have only been partially determined in vitro and animal study. Positron emission tomography (PET) can clarify the in vivo dynamics of antidepressants at histamine receptors.

OBJECTIVES

We performed human PET imaging with [¹¹C]doxepin, a selective PET ligand of the histamine H₁ receptor (H₁R), to study the in vivo affinities of fluvoxamine and mirtazapine for the H₁R.

METHODS

The subjects were five male healthy Japanese volunteers. We performed cross-randomized PET imaging after single oral administration of fluvoxamine (25mg), mirtazapine (15 mg), or placebo. PET data were analyzed by region-of-interest and voxel-by-voxel analysis. We concurrently measured plasma drug concentrations, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and subjective sleepiness.

RESULTS

The binding potential ratio of mirtazapine in brain cortex was significantly lower than that of fluvoxamine or placebo. Fluvoxamine did not occupy the H₁R, whereas H₁R occupancy (H₁RO) of mirtazapine reached 80-90 % in the cerebral neocortex. In the voxel-by-voxel analysis, the binding potential of mirtazapine was significantly lower than placebo in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, lateral temporal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and posterior cingulate gyrus. The H₁RO of mirtazapine depended on the plasma drug concentration (AUC(0-180 min)) and was related to subjective sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a low affinity of fluvoxamine and a very high affinity of mirtazapine for the human brain H₁R in vivo. This study provides a basis for investigating the efficacy of new-generation antidepressants in central histamine systems.

Anaphylactic responses to histamine in mice utilize both histamine receptors 1 and 2

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to common triggers, including food allergens (e.g., peanut), insect stings, and several medications. Activation of mast cells and basophils to release preformed mediators, such as histamine, is thought to be an important process that underlies reactions. Histamine can exert effects through four different receptors, termed H1R-H4R. Despite clinical use of both H1R and H2R blockers in the therapy for acute allergic reactions, there is little mechanistic evidence to support the necessity for blocking H2R, a receptor best characterized for its role in stomach acid production.

METHODS

Here, we sought to define the necessity for histamine receptors in the pathology of anaphylaxis using H1R and H2R knockout (KO) mice, as well as a H1R/H2R double KO strain.

RESULTS

In response to IgE-mediated systemic anaphylaxis, the symptoms and decreases in core body temperature observed in wild-type mice were reduced but not ablated in either H1R or H2R KO. In contrast, H1R/H2R KO were significantly protected and were indistinguishable from histamine-deficient mice. Intravenous injection of histamine was sufficient to elicit these responses, and similar to IgE-mediated anaphylaxis, loss of both H1R and H2R was necessary for complete protection.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate definitively that both H1R and H2R participate in the immediate systemic responses during histamine-associated pathophysiology and mechanistically support the utility of H2R-blocking therapeutics in alleviating symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Regulatory CD4+Foxp3+ T cells control the severity of anaphylaxis

OBJECTIVE

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening outcome of immediate-type hypersensitivity to allergen, consecutive to mast cell degranulation by allergen-specific IgE. Regulatory T cells (Treg) can control allergic sensitization and mast cell degranulation, yet their clinical benefit on anaphylactic symptoms is poorly documented. Here we investigated whether Treg action during the effector arm of the allergic response alleviates anaphylaxis.

METHODS

We used a validated model of IgE-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis, induced by intravenous challenge with DNP-HSA in mice passively sensitized with DNP-specific IgE. Anaphylaxis was monitored by the drop in body temperature as well as plasma histamine and serum mMCP1 levels. The role of Treg was analyzed using MHC class II-deficient (Aβ(°/°)) mice, treatment with anti-CD25 or anti-CD4 mAbs and conditional ablation of Foxp3(+) Treg in DEREG mice. Therapeutic efficacy of Treg was also evaluated by transfer experiments using FoxP3-eGFP knock-in mice.

RESULTS

Anaphylaxis did not occur in mast cell-deficient W/W(v) mutant mice and was only moderate and transient in mice deficient for histamine receptor-1. Defects in constitutive Treg, either genetic or induced by antibody or toxin treatment resulted in a more severe and/or sustained hypothermia, associated with a rise in serum mMCP1, but not histamine. Adoptive transfer of Foxp3(+) Treg from either naïve or DNP-sensitized donors similarly alleviated body temperature loss in Treg-deficient DEREG mice.

CONCLUSION

Constitutive Foxp3(+) Treg can control the symptomatic phase of mast cell and IgE-dependent anaphylaxis in mice. This might open up new therapeutic avenues using constitutive rather than Ag-specific Treg for inducing tolerance in allergic patients.

Histidine augments the suppression of hepatic glucose production by central insulin action

Glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes is related to enhanced hepatic glucose production (HGP) due to the increased expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes. Previously, we revealed that hepatic STAT3 decreases the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes and suppresses HGP. Here, we show that increased plasma histidine results in hepatic STAT3 activation. Intravenous and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of histidine-activated hepatic STAT3 reduced G6Pase protein and mRNA levels and augmented HGP suppression by insulin. This suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis by histidine was abolished by hepatic STAT3 deficiency or hepatic Kupffer cell depletion. Inhibition of HGP by histidine was also blocked by ICV administration of a histamine H1 receptor antagonist. Therefore, histidine activates hepatic STAT3 and suppresses HGP via central histamine action. Hepatic STAT3 phosphorylation after histidine ICV administration was attenuated in histamine H1 receptor knockout (Hrh1KO) mice but not in neuron-specific insulin receptor knockout (NIRKO) mice. Conversely, hepatic STAT3 phosphorylation after insulin ICV administration was attenuated in NIRKO but not in Hrh1KO mice. These findings suggest that central histidine action is independent of central insulin action, while both have additive effects on HGP suppression. Our results indicate that central histidine/histamine-mediated suppression of HGP is a potential target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Enhanced histaminergic neurotransmission and sleep-wake alterations, a study in histamine H3-receptor knock-out mice

Long-term abolition of a brain arousal system impairs wakefulness (W), but little is known about the consequences of long-term enhancement. The brain histaminergic arousal system is under the negative control of H3-autoreceptors whose deletion results in permanent enhancement of histamine (HA) turnover. In order to determine the consequences of enhancement of the histaminergic system, we compared the cortical EEG and sleep-wake states of H3-receptor knockout (H3R-/-) and wild-type mouse littermates. We found that H3R-/-mice had rich phenotypes. On the one hand, they showed clear signs of enhanced HA neurotransmission and vigilance, i.e., a higher EEG θ power during spontaneous W and a greater extent of W or sleep restriction during behavioral tasks, including environmental change, locomotion, and motivation tests. On the other hand, during the baseline dark period, they displayed deficient W and signs of sleep deterioration, such as pronounced sleep fragmentation and reduced cortical slow activity during slow wave sleep (SWS), most likely due to a desensitization of postsynaptic histaminergic receptors as a result of constant HA release. Ciproxifan (H3-receptor inverse agonist) enhanced W in wild-type mice, but not in H3R-/-mice, indicating a functional deletion of H3-receptors, whereas triprolidine (postsynaptic H1-receptor antagonist) or α-fluoromethylhistidine (HA-synthesis inhibitor) caused a greater SWS increase in H3R-/- than in wild-type mice, consistent with enhanced HA neurotransmission. These sleep-wake characteristics and the obesity phenotypes previously reported in this animal model suggest that chronic enhancement of histaminergic neurotransmission eventually compromises the arousal system, leading to sleep-wake, behavioral, and metabolic disorders similar to those caused by voluntary sleep restriction in humans.

Histamine excites neurons of the inferior vestibular nucleus in rats by activation of H1 and H2 receptors

By using brain slice preparations and extracellular recordings, the effect of histamine on spontaneous firing activities of neurons in the inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN), a key structure responsible for integration of vestibular, multisensory, and cerebellar inputs, in rats was investigated. Perfusing slices with histamine (1-10μM) elicited an excitatory response on IVN neurons. The responses were not blocked by low Ca(2+)/high Mg(2+) medium, indicating a direct postsynaptic effect of the amine. Furthermore, the histamine-induced excitation was partially blocked by selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (1μM) and H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (1μM), respectively. Co-application of mepyramine and ranitidine nearly totally antagonized the histamine-induced excitation. Additionally, both selective H1 receptor agonist 2-pyridylethylamine (30-300μM) and H2 receptor agonist dimaprit (10-100μM) effectively mimicked the excitatory action of histamine on IVN neurons. Moreover, selective H4 antagonist JNJ7777120 (10μM) and agonist VUF8430 (30-300μM) had no effect on IVN neurons. These results demonstrate that histamine excites IVN neurons via postsynaptic H1 and H2 rather than H4 receptors, and suggest that the central histaminergic system actively modulate all four major vestibular nuclei including the IVN and may subsequently influence the vestibular nuclei-related reflexes and functions.

Dopamine is involved in food-anticipatory activity in mice

When food is available during a restricted and predictable time of the day, mammals exhibit food-anticipatory activity (FAA), an increase in locomotor activity preceding the presentation of food. Although many studies have attempted to locate the food-entrainable circadian oscillator in the central nervous system, the pathways that mediate food entrainment are a matter of controversy. The present study was designed to determine the role of dopaminergic and histaminergic systems on FAA. Mice were given access to food for 2 h (ZT12-ZT14), and FAA was defined as the locomotor activity that occurred 2 h before the availability of food. Dopamine D(1) receptor (R), D(2)R, and histamine H(1)R-specific antagonists were used to clarify the role of dopamine and histamine receptors in FAA induced by food restriction (FR). FAA was monitored by infrared locomotor activity sensors. Mice were sacrificed at ZT12 on the 14th day of FR, and monoamine concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The results showed that pretreatment with the D(1)R antagonist SCH23390 at 1, 3, or 10 µg/kg significantly reduced FAA by 19% (p < 0.05), 26% (p < 0.05), or 19% (p < 0.01), respectively, and the D(2)R antagonist raclopride at 22, 67, or 200 µg/kg significantly reduced FAA by 16% (p < 0.05), 36% (p < 0.01), or 41% (p < 0.01), respectively, as compared with vehicle control. Moreover, coadministration of SCH23390 (10 µg/kg) and raclopride (200 µg/kg) synergistically inhibited FAA by 57% (p < 0.01) as compared with vehicle control. Consistently, the levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum and midbrain were significantly increased during FAA, even with the pretreatment of D(1)R and D(2)R antagonists. However, pretreatment with pyrilamine at 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg did not significantly reduce FAA, although it reduced the locomotor activity during the dark period in ad libitum mice. These results strongly indicate that the dopaminergic system plays an essential role in the FAA in mice.

Species-dependent activities of G-protein-coupled receptor ligands: lessons from histamine receptor orthologs

Histamine is a biogenic amine that exerts its biological effects as a neurotransmitter and local mediator via four histamine receptor (HR) subtypes (H(x)Rs) - H(1)R, H(2)R, H(3)R, and H(4)R - belonging to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). All four H(x)Rs exhibit pronounced differences in agonist and/or antagonist pharmacology among various species orthologs. The species differences constitute a problem for animal experiments and drug development. This problem applies to GPCRs with diverse ligands. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on H(x)R orthologs as a case study for species-dependent activity of GPCR ligands. We show that species-specific pharmacology also provides unique opportunities to study important aspects of GPCR pharmacology in general, including ligand-binding sites, the roles of extracellular domains in ligand binding and receptor activation, agonist-independent (constitutive) receptor activity, thermodynamics of ligand/receptor interaction, receptor-activation mechanisms, and ligand-specific receptor conformations.

Analgesic effects of the non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates etidronate and clodronate, independent of anti-resorptive effects on bone

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs) have greater anti-bone-resorptive effects than non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (non-NBPs). Hence, NBPs are the current first-choice drug for osteoporosis. However, NBPs carry a risk of osteonecrosis of jaws. Some animal and human studies suggest that non-NBPs may have anti-bone-resorptive effect-independent analgesic effects, but there has been no detailed comparison between NBPs and non-NBPs. Here, we compared the analgesic effects of several non-NBPs and NBPs, using (a) writhing responses induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1% acetic acid, (b) acetic acid-induced neuronal expression of c-Fos, (c) acetic acid-induced elevation of blood corticosterone, and (d) hindpaw-licking/biting responses induced by intraplantar injection of capsaicin. Among the NBPs and non-NBPs tested, only etidronate and clodronate displayed clear analgesic effects, with various routes of administration (including the oral one) being effective. However, they were ineffective when intraperitoneally injected simultaneously with acetic acid. Intracerebroventricular administration of etidronate or clodronate, but not of minodronate (an NBP), was also effective. The effective doses of etidronate and clodronate were much lower in writhing-high-responder strains of mice. Etidronate and clodronate reduced acetic acid-induced c-Fos expression in the brain and spinal cord, and also the acetic acid-induced corticosterone increase in the blood. Etidronate and clodronate each displayed an analgesic effect in the capsaicin test. Etidronate and clodronate displayed their analgesic effects at doses lower than those inducing anti-bone-resorptive effects. These results suggest that etidronate and clodronate exert potent, anti-bone-resorptive effect-independent analgesic effects, possibly via an interaction with neurons, and that they warrant reappraisal as safe drugs for osteoporosis.

Nesfatin-1, corticotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and neuronal histamine interact in the hypothalamus to regulate feeding behavior

Nesfatin-1, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and hypothalamic neuronal histamine act as anorexigenics in the hypothalamus. We examined interactions among nesfatin-1, CRH, TRH, and histamine in the regulation of feeding behavior in rodents. We investigated whether the anorectic effect of nesfatin-1, α-fluoromethyl histidine (FMH; a specific suicide inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase that depletes hypothalamic neuronal histamine), a CRH antagonist, or anti-TRH antibody affects the anorectic effect of nesfatin-1, whether nesfatin-1 increases CRH and TRH contents and histamine turnover in the hypothalamus, and whether histamine increases nesfatin-1 content in the hypothalamus. We also investigated whether nesfatin-1 decreases food intake in mice with targeted disruption of the histamine H1 receptor (H1KO mice) and if the H1 receptor (H1-R) co-localizes in nesfatin-1 neurons. Nesfatin-1-suppressed feeding was partially attenuated in rats administered with FMH, a CRH antagonist, or anti-TRH antibody, and in H1KO mice. Nesfatin-1 increased CRH and TRH levels and histamine turnover, whereas histamine increased nesfatin-1 in the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed H1-R expression on nesfatin-1 neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These results indicate that CRH, TRH, and hypothalamic neuronal histamine mediate the suppressive effects of nesfatin-1 on feeding behavior.

Histamine and motivation

Brain histamine may affect a variety of different behavioral and physiological functions; however, its role in promoting wakefulness has overshadowed its other important functions. Here, we review evidence indicating that brain histamine plays a central role in motivation and emphasize its differential involvement in the appetitive and consummatory phases of motivated behaviors. We discuss the inputs that control histaminergic neurons of the tuberomamillary nucleus (TMN) of the hypothalamus, which determine the distinct role of these neurons in appetitive behavior, sleep/wake cycles, and food anticipatory responses. Moreover, we review evidence supporting the dysfunction of histaminergic neurons and the cortical input of histamine in regulating specific forms of decreased motivation (apathy). In addition, we discuss the relationship between the histamine system and drug addiction in the context of motivation.

Mutation screening of the HDC gene in Chinese Han patients with Tourette syndrome

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by vocal and motor tics. While environmental causes have been proposed to play a role, genetic factors are believed to be the main determinants of the disorder and its clinical manifestations. Recently, a heterozygous W317X mutation in the histidine decarboxylase gene (HDC) was reported to be responsible for TS in a two-generation pedigree. To investigate whether the HDC gene play a role in TS in Chinese Han population, we performed genetic analysis of the coding region of the HDC gene in 100 Chinese Han patients with TS. Three variants were found including a C > T transition (IVS1 + 52C > T), a novel C > A transition (c.426C > A) in exon 4, and a novel G > A transition (c.1743G > A) in exon 12, both predicted with no amino acid change. Extended analysis was conducted in a total of 120 TS patients and 240 sex, age, and ethnicity matched healthy controls. No significant differences in genotypic and allele distribution between patients and controls for these three variants (P = 0.274, P = 1.000 and P = 0.632 for genotypic distribution, respectively; P = 0.143, P = 1.000 and P = 0.582 for allele distribution, respectively) were observed, suggesting variants in the HDC gene may play little or no role in TS susceptibility in Chinese Han population.

Stimulation of Ly-6G on neutrophils in LPS-primed mice induces platelet-activating factor (PAF)-mediated anaphylaxis-like shock

Previously, two anti-Ly-6G mAb-RB6-8C5 and 1A8-have been used to deplete neutrophils in mice and to clarify their involvement in immune responses. During the course of experiments on neutrophil depletion, we noticed that i.v. injection of RB6-8C5 or 1A8 induced anaphylaxis-like shock in mice pretreated i.v. with LPS. Signs of shock, such as hypothermia, appeared within a few minutes, and the mice died of shock within 20 min of the antibody injection. In vivo experiments, including depletion of various cell types, indicated that neutrophils and macrophages (but not platelets, basophils, or mast cells) are involved in the shock. Experiments using various drugs and gene-targeted mice demonstrated that PAF is the central mediator of the shock. Optimal LPS priming required at least 1 h, and the priming was associated with neutrophil accumulation within pulmonary and hepatic blood vessels. Consistently, following 1A8 injection into LPS-pretreated mice, the mRNA for LysoPAFAT (a PAF biosynthetic enzyme) was markedly up-regulated in neutrophils accumulated in the lung but not in macrophages. These results suggest that (1) stimulation of Ly-6G on LPS-primed neutrophils induces PAF-mediated anaphylaxis-like shock in mice, (2) neutrophils are primed by LPS during and/or after their accumulation in lung and liver to rapidly induce LysoPAFAT, and (3) macrophages may play a pivotal role in the priming phase and/or in the challenge phase by unknown mechanisms. These findings may be related to adult respiratory distress syndrome, although the natural ligand for Ly-6G remains to be identified.

Simple model of forebrain ischemia in mouse

The availability of genetically engineered mice allows the unraveling of the role of specific proteins in mechanisms of ischemic brain injury. Due to the high variability of their vascular anatomy, mouse models of global cerebral ischemia are rather complex. In the present study, we describe a simple model of mouse forebrain ischemia where the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCO) is combined with isoflurane-induced hypotension. The forebrain ischemia was induced by BCCO that was preceded by increase of the isoflurane level from 1.5% to 5% in the respiratory gases. This caused a decrease of the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) to about 30mmHg and the cerebral blood flow dropped to 5% of the control after the BCCO. During the 10min ischemic period both MABP and CBF remained stable and the reperfusion was induced by reducing the isoflurane level to 0% followed by removal of the carotid clamps. Mice were allowed 1, 2, 3 or 5 days survival followed by histologic analysis. The number of CA1 uninjured neurons was assessed utilizing a stereological approach. Neurodegeneration was observed at 2 days after the onset of reperfusion. At 3 days of recovery, about 40% of neurons survived and the cell death did not further increase at 5 days. Degenerative neurons were also detected in the striatum and sporadically in the cortex. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the described model in mice that can be utilized to examine the effect of new neuroprotective compounds or use transgenic animals to test new hypothesis.

Possible involvement of serotonin 5-HT2 receptor in the regulation of feeding behavior through the histaminergic system

The central histaminergic system has been proven to be involved in several physiological functions including feeding behavior. Some atypical antipsychotics like risperidone and aripiprazole are known to affect feeding behavior and to antagonize the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes. To examine the possible neural relationship between the serotonergic and histaminergic systems in the anorectic effect of the antipsychotics, we studied the effect of a single administration of these drugs on food intake and hypothalamic histamine release in mice using in vivo microdialysis. Single injection of risperidone (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) or aripiprazole (1mg/kg, i.p.), which have binding affinities to 5-HT(1A, 2A, 2B) and (2C) receptors decreased food intake in C57BL/6N mice with concomitant increase of hypothalamic histamine release. However, a selective D(2)-antagonist, haloperidol (0.5mg/kg, i.p.), did not have effects on food intake or histamine release. Furthermore, in histamine H(1) receptor-deficient mice, there was no reduction of food intake induced by atypical antipsychotics, although histamine release was increased. Moreover, selective 5-HT(2A)-antagonists, volinanserin (0.5, 1mg/kg, i.p.) and ketanserin (5, 10mg/kg, i.p.), significantly increased histamine release and 5-HT(2B/2C) -antagonist, SB206553 (2.5, 5mg/kg, i.p.), slightly increased it. On the contrary, 5-HT(1A) -selective antagonist, WAY100635 (1, 2mg/kg), did not affect the histaminergic tone. These findings suggest that serotonin tonically inhibits histamine release via 5-HT(2) receptors and that antipsychotics enhance the release of hypothalamic histamine by blockade of 5-HT(2) receptors resulting in anorexia via the H(1) receptor.