Histamines
Histamines
release
Histamine release
What is Histamine?
• Inflammatory reactions
• Allergic reactions
the process by which histamine is released from immune cells, particularly mast cells and basophils, in
response to various triggers.
When the immune system detects an allergen, infection, or other stimuli, it activates mast cells and
basophils to release histamine as part of the inflammatory response.
1. IgE-mediated activation:
In allergic reactions, the immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to
an allergen.
When the allergen is encountered again, it binds to IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils,
triggering the release of histamine.
2. Non-IgE-mediated activation:
Histamine release can also be triggered by non-IgE mechanisms, such as direct cell damage, physical
stimuli, or certain drugs.
These triggers can cause mast cells and basophils to degranulate and release histamine.
The complement system, a part of the immune system involved in inflammation and immune
responses, can also trigger histamine release from immune cells.
Once histamine is released into tissues, it binds to specific receptors known as histamine receptors
(H1, H2, H3, H4) located on various cells throughout the body.
Activation of these receptors leads to a wide range of effects,
including
Medications like antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and immunomodulators can help inhibit
histamine release and alleviate symptoms associated with histamine-mediated responses.
There are several classes of medications that can inhibit the release of
histamine, including:
Antihistamines
These drugs block the action of histamine at the receptor sites, preventing it from causing allergic
symptoms. Examples include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.
Antihistamines are a class of medications commonly used to treat allergic reactions and symptoms
caused by the release of histamine in the body.
These drugs work by blocking the action of histamine at its receptor sites, thereby reducing or
preventing allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives.
These medications can cause drowsiness and are often used to treat allergies, motion sickness, and
insomnia.
Examples include
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Structure Activity Relationship
Structure activity of ethanolamine ethers antihistamines can be summarized as:
Compounds with p-Cl-Ph and 2-pyridyl aryl groups are carboxamine, which is a
potent anti-histamine drug.
Substitution of the methyl group at the carbon alpha to the ether function gives a
related compound known as doxylamine.
An additional carbon atom between oxygen and nitrogen produces clemastine
which has lower sedative properties.
In setastine, alkyl amine substituent is incorporated into seven-membered
hexahydroazepine ring, having lower sedative properties.
With increase in alkyl group size at C-2’, there is decrease in antihistaminic activity
and increases in anticholinergic activity..
Introduction of alkyl substituents at C-4’results in decrease inanticholinergic
activity and increase in antihistaminic activity.
Mechanism of Action
It is an inverse agonist for H1 receptors which reverses the effects of histamine on
capillaries and thus, reduces the symptoms of allergic reactions.
It crosses the blood brain barrier and inversely agonizes H1 CNS receptors to
induce drowsiness, and suppresses the medullary cough center.
It competitively antagonizes the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Therefore, it
can be used as an antiparkinson medication.
It also shows local anesthetic properties by showing activity as an intracellular
sodium channel blocker.
chlorpheniramine
is an antihistamine. It is used to treat a runny nose from allergies or a cold. It is also used to
treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. This medicine will not treat an infection.
mechanism of action
Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that works by blocking the
action of histamine at H1 receptors.
chlorpheniramine helps to relieve these allergy symptoms. Additionally,
chlorpheniramine has some anticholinergic effects, which contribute to its ability
to reduce symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes.
inhibiting the downstream effects of histamine release.
This action leads to a reduction in the symptoms associated with allergic reactions,
such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
In addition to its antihistaminic effects, chlorpheniramine also possesses some
anticholinergic properties, which contribute to its ability to alleviate symptoms
like nasal congestion and cough.
The anticholinergic activity of chlorphenjsoniramine involves blocking muscarinic
acetylcholine receptors, leading to a decrease in secretions and smooth muscle
constriction in the respiratory tract.
Overall, chlorpheniramine's mechanism of action involves both antihistaminic and
anticholinergic effects, making it effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis,
hay fever, and other allergic conditions.
hydroxyzine.
Hydroxyzine, sold under the brand names Atarax and Vistaril among others, is an antihistamine
medication.
It is used in the treatment of itchiness, insomnia, anxiety, and nausea, including that due to motion
sickness.
Structure Activity Relationship
The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of hydroxyzine involves understanding how different
structural elements of the molecule contribute to its pharmacological effects. Here are some key
structural features and their contributions to the activity of hydroxyzine:
1. Piperazine Ring: Hydroxyzine contains a piperazine ring in its structure, which is important for its
antihistaminic activity. The piperazine ring contributes to the molecule's ability to bind to histamine
H1 receptors and block histamine-mediated effects.
2. Ethoxy Group: The ethoxy (O-CH2-CH3) group attached to the piperazine ring is crucial for the
antihistaminic activity of hydroxyzine. This group enhances the molecule's affinity for histamine H1
receptors, leading to effective blockade of histamine binding.
4. Hydroxyl Group: The hydroxyl (OH) group in hydroxyzine plays a role in its solubility and
metabolism. It can also participate in hydrogen bonding interactions that may be important for
receptor binding.
5. Aliphatic Chain: The aliphatic chain in hydroxyzine provides flexibility and may influence the
molecule's pharmacokinetic properties, such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
By studying the SAR of hydroxyzine, researchers can optimize its structure to enhance its therapeutic
effects, improve bioavailability, reduce side effects, or develop new derivatives with improved
properties.
Mechanism of Action
i. Hydroxyzine acts as an inverse agonist for H1 receptors.
ii. This inverse agonism is responsible for efficacy of the drug in the treatment of histaminic edema,
flare and pruritus.
2. Second-generation antihistamines:
These newer medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and are preferred for daytime use. They
are commonly used to treat allergies, hay fever, and hives .
pharmacophore &
SAR
The pharmacophore of second-
4. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier due to
their higher molecular weight and decreased lipophilicity, reducing the risk of central nervous
system side effects.
Cromolyn sodium is a common mast cell stabilizer used to treat allergies and
asthma..
These drugs work by preventing mast cells from releasing histamine and other inflammatory
substances in response to allergens, thereby reducing allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, and
inflammation.
Mast cell stabilizers are often used to prevent and control symptoms of
contribute to their water solubility and ability to interact with receptors or enzymes involved
in stabilizing mast cells.
These groups play a crucial role in the pharmacological activity of mast cell stabilizers.
3. Aromatic Rings: Aromatic rings are commonly found in mast cell stabilizers and can enhance
their binding affinity to target proteins within mast cells.
These rings can also contribute to the overall stability and pharmacological properties of mast
cell stabilizers.
4. Hydrogen Bonding Sites: Mast cell stabilizers may contain hydrogen bonding sites that
enable interactions with specific residues on target proteins, facilitating their mechanism of
action in stabilizing mast cells and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators.
By incorporating these key structural features into their pharmacophore, mast cell stabilizers
like cromolyn sodium exhibit potent activity in preventing allergic reactions and asthma
symptoms by inhibiting mast cell degranulation and the release of histamine and other
inflammatory mediators.
Mechanism of action
Mast cell stabilizers are a class of medications that work by preventing the activation and
degranulation of mast cells, which are key players in allergic reactions and inflammatory
responses. These drugs exert their effects through several mechanisms:
1. Inhibition of Mast Cell Degranulation: Mast cell stabilizers like cromolyn sodium and
nedocromil sodium prevent mast cells from releasing inflammatory mediators such as
histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.
This inhibition of degranulation helps to reduce allergic symptoms and inflammation.
2. Calcium Channel Blockade: Mast cell activation and degranulation require an influx of
calcium ions into the cells.
Mast cell stabilizers interfere with calcium channels, preventing the increase in intracellular
calcium levels necessary for mast cell activation.
3. Stabilization of Mast Cell Membranes: These medications may interact with specific
receptors or proteins on mast cells, leading to the stabilization of cell membranes. This
stabilization prevents the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces the sensitivity of
mast cells to triggers.
4. Modulation of Intracellular Signaling Pathways: Mast cell stabilizers can interfere with
intracellular signaling pathways involved in mast cell activation and degranulation. By
disrupting these pathways, these medications block the release of inflammatory mediators
and dampen the allergic response.
Overall, mast cell stabilizers help to prevent allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells and
reducing the release of inflammatory mediators.
These drugs are often used as preventive treatments for conditions such as asthma, allergic
rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
It is important to use mast cell stabilizers regularly as prescribed to maintain their protective
effects against allergic symptoms.
They are typically available as nasal sprays, eye drops, and inhalers.
2. Nedocromil sodium: Another medication used as an inhaler (Tilade) for the prevention of asthma
symptoms triggered by allergens.
Mast cell stabilizers are generally well-tolerated and have few side effects.
Corticosteroids
These anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the production of histamine and other inflammatory
They are often used to treat severe allergic reactions and asthma.
Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are a class of medications commonly used to manage allergic
conditions due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties.
SAR
The pharmacophore of corticosteroids, including compounds like prednisone and dexamethasone,
typically includes the following key structural features:
1. Steroid Backbone: The steroid backbone is a characteristic feature of corticosteroids and consists of
four fused rings, including three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring. This backbone structure
is essential for the pharmacological activity of corticosteroids and their interaction with intracellular
receptors.
2. Keto Group at C3 Position: Corticosteroids contain a keto group at the C3 position on the steroid
backbone, which is crucial for their binding to glucocorticoid receptors.
This functional group plays a key role in mediating the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive
effects of corticosteroids.
3. Hydroxyl Group at C17 Position: Many corticosteroids have a hydroxyl group at the C17 position on
the steroid backbone, which can enhance their potency and duration of action. This hydroxyl group is
involved in interactions with target proteins and contributes to the overall pharmacological profile of
corticosteroids.
4. Double Bond Between C1 and C2: Some corticosteroids feature a double bond between the C1 and
C2 positions on the steroid backbone.
This double bond can influence the biological activity and metabolism of corticosteroids, affecting
their potency and duration of action.
5. Alkyl or Aryl Substituents: Corticosteroids may contain alkyl or aryl substituents at various positions
on the steroid backbone, which can modulate their pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and
selectivity for glucocorticoid receptors.
By incorporating these key structural features into their pharmacophore, corticosteroids exhibit
potent anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic effects by regulating gene expression
and modulating immune responses.
Their unique molecular architecture enables them to interact with glucocorticoid receptors and exert
therapeutic effects in various inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and allergic reactions.
Mechanism of action
Corticosteroids are not typically classified as antihistamines, as they have distinct mechanisms of
action and therapeutic effects.
However, corticosteroids can indirectly affect histamine release and allergic responses through their
potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Here's how corticosteroids can influence the histamine pathway and allergic reactions:
By dampening immune responses, corticosteroids can help reduce the activation of mast cells and the
subsequent release of histamine in response to allergens.
3. Anti-allergic Effects: Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of allergic conditions, such
as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis, due to their ability to reduce allergic symptoms.
While corticosteroids do not directly target histamine receptors like antihistamines do, their broad
anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions can lead to a decrease in histamine release and
allergic inflammation.
In summary, corticosteroids primarily exert their effects through modulation of gene expression,
immune responses, and inflammation.
While they are not classified as antihistamines, corticosteroids can indirectly impact the histamine
pathway by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and immune cells involved in allergic reactions.
When used in the management of allergic conditions, corticosteroids complement the effects of
antihistamines by targeting different aspects of the allergic response.
These drugs work by reducing inflammation, swelling, and immune responses associated with
allergies, thereby providing relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and congestion.
Corticosteroids can be used in various forms, including nasal sprays, inhalers, creams, ointments, and
oral tablets.
1. Intranasal corticosteroids: These are nasal sprays that are effective in treating allergic rhinitis (hay
fever) symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Examples include
fluticasone (Flonase)
budesonide (Rhinocort) and
mometasone (Nasonex).
2. Inhaled corticosteroids: These are commonly used to manage asthma symptoms by reducing airway
inflammation and preventing asthma attacks. Examples include
fluticasone (Flovent)
budesonide (Pulmicort) and
beclomethasone (Qvar).
3. Topical corticosteroids: These are creams or ointments used to treat skin conditions like eczema,
dermatitis, and allergic reactions. Examples include
hydrocortisone cream and
triamcinolone acetonide ointment.
fluticasone (Flonase)
Fluticasone, sold under the brand name Flonase among others, is a corticosteroid nasal spray
commonly used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and nasal congestion.
Fluticasone works locally in the nasal passages to reduce inflammation and allergic responses,
thereby relieving symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and nasal congestion.
This leads to the suppression of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and immune cells involved in the
allergic response in the nasal mucosa.
Allergic Rhinitis: Fluticasone is indicated for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in
adults and children over the age of 4.
It helps alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose associated
with allergic reactions to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Nasal Congestion: Fluticasone can also help relieve nasal congestion by reducing inflammation in the
nasal passages and decreasing nasal swelling.
It may take a few days of regular use for the full effects to be felt, so it is important to use it
consistently as directed by a healthcare provider.
Side Effects: Common side effects of fluticasone nasal spray may include nasal irritation, nosebleeds,
headache, sore throat, and cough. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
In rare cases, long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone may lead to systemic side
effects such as adrenal suppression or increased intraocular pressure.
These side effects can include increased risk of infections, skin thinning, weight gain, and bone
density loss.
Leukotriene inhibitors
These drugs block the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory molecules that can trigger the
release of histamine.
Montelukast is a commonly prescribed leukotriene inhibitor for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Leukotriene inhibitors are a class of medications that work by blocking the action of leukotrienes,
which are inflammatory chemicals in the body that play a role in allergic reactions, asthma, and other
inflammatory conditions.
By inhibiting leukotrienes, these medications help reduce inflammation, mucus production, and
constriction of airways, making them useful in managing allergic conditions and asthma.
Leukotriene inhibitors are commonly used to treat conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever),
asthma, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
pharmacophore
The pharmacophore of leukotriene inhibitors typically consists of a lipophilic moiety, an acidic group,
and a hydrophobic/aromatic ring.
These components are essential for interacting with the leukotriene receptor and blocking the action
of leukotrienes.
The lipophilic region allows for binding to the hydrophobic pocket of the receptor, while the acidic
group interacts with positively charged amino acid residues. The hydrophobic/aromatic ring is
important for stabilizing the binding interaction and enhancing the potency of the inhibitor.
By incorporating these key features into the pharmacophore design, researchers can develop more
effective and selective leukotriene inhibitors for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as
asthma and allergic rhinitis. Some common leukotriene inhibitors include:
1. Montelukast (Singulair): This is a widely used leukotriene receptor antagonist that is effective in
managing asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
It works by blocking the action of leukotrienes to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
2. Zafirlukast (Accolate): Another leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used to treat asthma and
allergic rhinitis.
It helps reduce inflammation and improve lung function by blocking the effects of leukotrienes.
Leukotriene inhibitors are generally well-tolerated, but they may cause side effects in some
individuals, including headache, gastrointestinal upset, and mood changes..
Leukotriene inhibitors are often used in combination with other medications, such as
corticosteroids or antihistamines, to provide comprehensive management of allergic
conditions and asthma.
Immunomodulators
Drugs like omalizumab can reduce allergic responses by targeting specific immune cells involved in the
release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
It is released by certain immune cells, such as mast cells and basophils, in response to allergens,
infections, and other triggers.
These inhibitors can be classified as immunomodulators because they modulate the immune response
by blocking histamine release.
By inhibiting histamine release, these medications can help reduce allergic reactions, inflammation,
and symptoms associated with conditions like allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Cromolyn sodium
Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabilizer that prevents the release of histamine and other
inflammatory mediators.
It is used to treat allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
SAR & MECHANISM OF ACTION
Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabilizer that is used to prevent allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
It works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, thereby reducing allergic
symptoms.
The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of cromolyn sodium involves understanding how different
structural features of the molecule contribute to its pharmacological activity.
1. Chromone ring: Cromolyn sodium contains a chromone ring structure, which is essential for its
activity as a mast cell stabilizer.
This chromone ring is believed to interact with specific receptors on mast cells, preventing the release
of inflammatory mediators.
2. Carboxylate group: The carboxylate group in cromolyn sodium is important for its water solubility
and bioavailability.
This group may also play a role in its interactions with target receptors.
3. Ether linkages: Cromolyn sodium contains ether linkages in its structure, which may contribute to
its stability and pharmacokinetic properties..
Ketotifen
Ketotifen is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer that inhibits the release of histamine from mast
cells.
It is used to treat allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
Omalizumab
Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key player in allergic
reactions.
By binding to IgE, omalizumab prevents the activation of mast cells and basophils, leading to reduced
histamine release.
Histamine release inhibitors can be effective in managing allergic conditions and inflammatory
disorders by reducing histamine-mediated symptoms.
These medications are typically well-tolerated but may have side effects such as drowsiness, dry
mouth, and gastrointestinal issues.