The effects of histamine in malaria

• Published in: British journal of pharmacology Vol. 39; no. 4; pp. 755 - 764
• Main Authors: MAEGRAITH, B. G., ONABANJO, A. O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-08-1970
• Subjects: Animals; Autopharmacology; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain - drug effects; Brain - pathology; Capillary Permeability - drug effects; Haplorhini; Histamine - blood; Histamine - pharmacology; Injections, Intradermal; Leukocyte Count; Malaria - blood; Malaria - pathology; Skin - drug effects; Vasodilator Agents - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0007-1188; 1476-5381
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1970.tb09902.x

Summary
1
Extracts of the blood of monkeys (Macaca mulatta) infected with Plasmodium knowlesi contain histamine. A mean total concentration of 0·15 μg/ml was present in the circulating blood.
2
No histamine was detected in the blood of healthy monkeys.
3
Vasodilatation and increased vascular permeability was observed at the site of injection of the extract into the skin and brain of guinea‐pigs.
4
Infiltration of the dermal layer by leucocytes was observed after intradermal injection of the histamine extract. A similar response was obtained in the brain.
5
The extract of the blood from the infected animal produced hypotension in rabbits when administered intravenously.
6
The pathophysiological significance of histamine in malaria is discussed.