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Published on: September 21, 2021
Histaminergic H3-Heteroreceptors as a Potential Mediator of Betahistine-Induced Increase in Cochlear Blood Flow
Mattis Bertlich1, Friedrich Ihler, Saskia Freytag
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Gx00F6;ttingen Hospital, Gx00F6;ttingen, Germany.
Objective:
Betahistine is a histamine-like drug that is considered beneficial in Ménière's disease by increasing cochlear blood flow. Acting as an agonist at the histamine H1-receptor and as an inverse agonist at the H3-receptor, these receptors as well as the adrenergic α2-receptor were investigated for betahistine effects on cochlear blood flow.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 54 Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of nine groups treated with a selection of H1-, H3- or α2-selective agonists and antagonists together with betahistine. Cochlear blood flow and mean arterial pressure were recorded for 3 min before and 15 min after infusion.
Results:
Blockage of the H3- or α2-receptors caused a suppression of betahistine-mediated typical changes in cochlear blood flow or blood pressure. Activation of H3-receptors caused a drop in cochlear blood flow and blood pressure. H1-receptors showed no involvement in betahistine-mediated changes of cochlear blood flow.
Conclusion:
Betahistine most likely affects cochlear blood flow through histaminergic H3-heteroreceptors.
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