Mast cell histamine in gastric secretion--a study on the isolated portion of a guinea pig stomach

The effects of an H3-agonist, R-alpha-methylhistamine (0.1 and 1 microM), on gastric acid secretion and on mast cell histamine release was studied on the isolated portion of guinea pig stomach. Secretion, induced by calcium ionophore, A23187 (1 microM), and by vagal stimulation was determined by continuous pH measurement, mast cell degranulation was examined histologically. Secretory effects were not significantly changed by H3-agonist. Mast cell degranulation, elicited by vagal stimulation, was not influenced by R-alpha-methylhistamine, but the degranulating effect of A23187 was clearly augmented by the H3-agonist. The results support the view that H3-receptors could influence the release of mast cell histamine in the guinea pig stomach.