Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
08:31
Antibody-Free Assay for RNA Methyltransferase Activity Analysis
Published on: July 9, 2019
7.6K
Histamine N-Methyltransferase in the Brain.
Takeo Yoshikawa1, Tadaho Nakamura2,3, Kazuhiko Yanai4
1Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan. tyoshikawa@med.tohoku.ac.jp.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 13, 2019
Summary
Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is crucial for regulating brain histamine levels. Disabling HNMT significantly boosts brain histamine, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Brain histamine regulates physiological functions and its depletion is linked to neurological disorders.
- Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) metabolizes histamine in the brain.
- Existing HNMT inhibitors lack specificity and blood-brain barrier permeability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HNMT in the central nervous system.
- To evaluate the impact of HNMT deficiency on brain histamine levels.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of increasing brain histamine.
Main Methods:
- Phenotyping of Hnmt-deficient mice.
- Measurement of brain histamine concentration in Hnmt-deficient mice.
- Review of clinical and postmortem studies on human HNMT gene polymorphisms and expression.
Main Results:
- Hnmt disruption led to a significant increase in brain histamine concentration.
- This confirms HNMT's essential role in the brain histamine system.
- Human HNMT gene variations are associated with Parkinson's disease and ADHD.
Conclusions:
- HNMT is vital for maintaining brain histamine homeostasis.
- Targeting HNMT to increase brain histamine may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for brain disorders.
- Further research into HNMT inhibitors is warranted for treating neurological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
990
Histamine H2 receptors, which are intricately located on the basolateral membrane of parietal cells, play a crucial role in modulating gastric acid secretion. When released from enterochromaffin-like cells, histamine engages H2 receptors, initiating the cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. In this pathway, adenylyl cyclase converts ATP into cAMP, elevating intracellular cAMP levels. The activation of protein kinase A follows, stimulating the proton pump. This stimulation prompts the secretion of hydrogen...
990
01:23Brain Waves
4.1K
Brain waves are electrical signals generated by the neurons in the brain, which are regularly monitored to measure mental activities. Brain waves and their frequency ranges can be measured using an electroencephalogram or EEG. There are four main types of brain waves, each with distinct characteristics:
4.1K
01:30Organization of the Brain
2.7K
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
2.7K
01:14Brain Imaging
732
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
732
00:49The Blood-brain Barrier
52.8K
Overview
52.8K
01:18Anatomy of the Brain: Ventricles
8.8K
There are hollow fluid-filled cavities known as ventricles deep inside the human brain. There are two lateral ventricles, one in each cerebral hemisphere, and each has three different projections — the anterior, inferior, and posterior horns visible from the lateral side. A thin membrane called the septum pellucidum separates the two lateral ventricles. The slender third ventricle in the diencephalon is connected to each lateral ventricle via a channel called the interventricular foramen.
8.8K