Histamine is a ubiquitous messenger molecule released from mast cells, enterochromaffin-like cells, and neurons. Its various actions are mediated by a family of histamine receptors, which are a subset of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. This gene encodes a histamine receptor that is predominantly expressed in haematopoietic cells. The protein is thought to play a role in inflammation and allergy reponses. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2009]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that chronic alcohol exposure increases HDAC levels, leading to H4 hypoacetylation and inhibition of gene expression in the nucleus accumbens [Hediyal et al. DOI:10.3390/Brainsci15090927]. Research in rats and mice shows that acute or repeated exposure to cocaine or other stimulants increases global levels of histone H4 acetylation in the nucleus accumbens, a modification associated with gene activation [Nestler DOI:10.1016/J.Neuropharm.2013.04.004].