Histamine and the gut

The role of histamine in the gut is reviewed in relation to gastric secretion of acid, pepsin and intrinsic factors. Species-dependence of some of these actions are also discussed. Interactions with other agonists and antagonists in intact and isolated systems provide the basis for models of the role of histamine in control of gastric secretion. This review deals further with histamine H1 and H2 effects on gastrointestinal circulation and musculature including sphincters. The most dramatic application of the development of histamine H2 antagonists has been in the treatment of duodenal ulcer. The use of H2 antagonists in the treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcer, gastrinoma, gastritis, and esophagitis is critically evaluated.