Histamine receptors in the central nervous system.

The role of histamine in brain function is discussed. A brief review is presented on the three types of histamine receptors with regard to their biochemistry and functions, as well as on specific ligands, both agonists and antagonists. It is concluded that several aspects of the pharmacology of histamine in the central nervous system are still a matter of empirism and speculations. The recent publications on the brain-penetrating H2 antagonist zolantidine and the selective H3 agonists and antagonists are expected to contribute to the knowledge of the histaminergic pathways in the brain. Therapeutical areas within the central nervous system are related to behaviour (including wake-sleep), neuroendocrinal processes, the control of muscle activity and cerebral circulation.