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  • Title: L-Histidine decarboxylase protein and activity in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells.
    Author: Yamakami J, Sakurai E, Kuramasu A, Sakurai E, Yanai K, Watanabe T, Tanaka Y.
    Journal: Inflamm Res; 2000 May; 49(5):231-5. PubMed ID: 10893046.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: L-Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is the primary enzyme regulating histamine biosynthesis. This study was carried out to examine whether the cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), which constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB), have the ability to form histamine, and whether HDC mRNA is expressed in rat BMEC. MATERIAL: Male, 3-week-old Wistar rats were used. For in vitro studies, rat BMEC were isolated from rat brains, and subculture cells were grown on collagen-coated culture flask and slide. METHODS: HDC assay, immunofluorescence analysis and expression of HDC mRNA by RT-PCR were performed in rat BMEC. RESULTS: The HDC activity of the BMEC was estimated to be 0.14 +/- 0.05 p mol/min/mg protein. This activity was completely inhibited by (S)-alpha-fluoromethylhistidine, a specific inhibitor of HDC. Using a polyclonal anti HDC antibody and immunofluorescence microscopy, we confirmed the presence of HDC protein in rat BMEC. RT-PCR also showed the expression of HDC mRNA in rat BMEC. CONCLUSIONS: L-Histidine uptaken by rat BMEC was shown to be converted to histamine, suggesting that HDC plays an important role in BBB.
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