production
Last reviewed 01/2018
Histamine is produced by the action of histidine decarboxylase on histidine. It is stored in cells in granules in conjunction with acidic protein and a glycosaminoglycan. It is found in most tissues but in highest concentration in:
- gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach
- lungs
- skin
Histamine is found in the following cells:
- mast cells in connective tissues
- basophils of blood; at lower concentration than in mast cells
- platelets
The production of histamine in basophils is relatively slow in comparison to mast cells, particularly those in the stomach.