Effect of histamine on the electrophysiology of the human parietal pleura

Introduction: Histamine is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases and regulates the permeability of different tissues. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of histamine on the electrophysiology of human parietal pleura and the underlying mechanisms involved. Materials and methods: Pleural specimens were obtained from patients subjected to thoracic surgery and were mounted in Ussing chambers. Histamine solutions (1 mu M to 1 mM) were applied in native and pretreated specimens with dimetindene maleate, cetirizine, ranitidine, amiloride and ouabain. Transmesothelial resistance was determined (R(TM)). Results: Histamine induced a rapid R(TM) increase on the mesothelial (p = 0.008) and a decrease on the interstitial surface (p = 0.029). This effect was dose-dependent and was totally abolished by dimetindene maleate, cetirizine and amiloride and partially by ranitidine and ouabain. Conclusions: Histamine induces acute electrochemical changes in human pleura mainly via interaction with the H(1) and partially with the H(2) histamine receptors. It also interferes with trans-cellular permeability and therefore may participate in pleural fluid recycling. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.