Effect of histamine on tumor necrosis factor production by human monocytes

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of histamine on tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) secretion by purified human blood monocytes. TNF alpha was measured by radioimmunoassay. Histamine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF alpha production from human blood monocytes, averaging maximally 50% at 10(-5) M. Preincubation of mononuclear cells with an H2 antagonist (cimetidine), but not with an H1 antagonist (promethazine) prevented this inhibitory effect of histamine. In conclusion, histamine causes, in vitro, a depression of TNF alpha secretion by human monocytes through activation of H2 receptors.