Background: Release of histamine from mast cells and basophils in inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses has been demonstrated in allergic and non-allergic processes.
Methods: A selective literature search was conducted in PubMed and Medline, and publications in German-language journals were additionally analyzed.
Results: The histamine receptors H1-H4 play a role in otorhinolaryngologic inflammatory diseases. To date, the histamine receptor subtype 4 (H4R), which is functionally expressed by immune cells in chronic inflammatory diseases, has received little attention. Stimulation of H4R influences the release of cytokines and chemokines as well as the migration behavior of immune cells. In animal models blockade of H4R reduced inflammation symptoms and pruritus.
Conclusions: H4R plays a key role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and may represent an interesting future therapeutic target.
Keywords: Basophils; Histamine; Mast cells; Rhinitis; Sinusitis.