Chronotropic effect of histamine on cultured neonatal rat heart cells.

The positive chronotropic effect (PCE) of histamine in cultured neonatal rat heart cells was monitored using a microscopic method as well as an electro-optically recording device. The action potential frequency was also measured (by means of microelectrodes). An increase in PCE was noted when histamine (from 1 X 10(-6) M to 1 X 10(-5) M) was added to the cells. However, higher concentrations (from 1 X 10(-5) M to 1 X 10(-4) M) were less effective. The PCE of histamine was reduced by pretreating the cells with antihistaminic drugs. H1-blocking agents (promethazine and mepyramine) were more potent than H2-blocking drugs (metiamide and cimetidine). In addition, the PCE of histamine was abolished when the cells were in presence of high K+ medium (26 mEq) but contraction and action potential amplitudes were increased. Our results demonstrate that these cultures respond to histamine and that this response is abolished by antihistaminic drugs thus suggesting the H1 and/or H2 receptors may be present in the neonatal rat heart cell cultures.