Histamine is a ubiquitous messenger molecule released from mast cells, enterochromaffin-like cells, and neurons. Its various actions are mediated by histamine receptors H1, H2, H3 and H4. This gene encodes one of the histamine receptors (H3) which belongs to the family 1 of G protein-coupled receptors. It is an integral membrane protein and can regulate neurotransmitter release. This receptor can also increase voltage-dependent calcium current in smooth muscles and innervates the blood vessels and the heart in cardiovascular system. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced by controlled cortical impact caused a significant decrease in the number of tryptase-immunoreactive dural mast cells at the impact site at 1 and 4 days post-injury [Shimada et al. DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2011.06.033].