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Published on: March 2, 2016
Urinary histamine metabolite elevations during experimental influenza infection
D P Skoner1, D A Gentile, P Fireman
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Summary
Histamine is released during influenza A infections, contrary to previous findings. This study demonstrates elevated histamine levels in urine following experimental viral respiratory infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Histamine is a suspected mediator of viral upper respiratory infection symptoms.
- Previous studies have not detected histamine elevations in nasal lavage fluid during viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate histamine release during experimental influenza A infection using a novel method.
- To determine if histamine plays a role in the host response to influenza.
Main Methods:
- Healthy adults were intranasally inoculated with influenza A virus.
- Urine samples were collected daily and assayed for histamine and its metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Total urinary histamine was calculated by summing histamine and its metabolites.
Main Results:
- All participants became infected and exhibited symptoms.
- Urinary total histamine levels showed a significant increase during the study period (P < 0.02).
- A significant elevation in histamine was observed 2 days post-inoculation.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first in vivo evidence of histamine release during a viral infection.
- Histamine is released during influenza A infection, a virus causing common cold/flu symptoms.
