5th February 2024

Vasoactive amines

Histamine is a vasoactive amine involved in immune responses. It is produced and stored by basophils and mast cells. These cells can be stimulated by antigens or allergens through IgE antibodies found in their cell membrane, causing degranulation and release of histamine. Histamine then acts on specific receptors to cause specialised responses, including vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. Histamine also has many other functions alongside its role within the inflammatory cascade.

Serotonin is another vasoactive amine that has many functions as a neurotransmitter.