Histamine, mast cells and ovarian function.

Mast cells, endothelial cells, basophils and platelets are potential sources of histamine in the ovary. Little is known about the role of the latter three cell types in ovarian function. Several studies have revealed changes in the number and degranulation (release of histamine) of mast cells in the ovary during the cycle. Mast cells degranulate on pro-oestrus in the rodent ovary, and mast cells numbers increase in the theca externa of the dominant follicle in the bovine ovary. In rodents, mast cells are limited to the ovarian hilum and are not observed in follicles, corpora lutea and interstitium; this contrasts with larger species such as man, cows and monkeys where mast cells are observed throughout the ovary. Evidence is accumulating that mast cell degranulation in the ovary may be regulated by neuronal input. Neurones have been shown to have close morphological relationships with mast cells in the ovary. Histamine participates in regulating capillary permeability and blood flow in the ovary. These actions are induced by injections of LH, yet the mechanism by which LH induces mast cell degranulation is unknown. Histamine stimulates ovarian contractility, ovulation and follicular progesterone secretion in vitro. Whether these actions of histamine occur in vivo are currently unknown. This review gives a chronological description of the discoveries of the effects of histamine on ovarian function and makes suggestions for future research in this area.