Histamine receptors in the vasculature of the rabbit ear.

Histamine has a dual action on the isolated perfused ear preparation of the rabbit. The amine induced a dose-dependent rise in perfusion pressure when the preparation was perfused with Krebs' solution. This pressor response was reversed to a depressor effect when meypramine was added to the perfusion fluid. This depressor effect of the amine was also dose-related. Metiamide competitively inhibited the depressor effect of histamine. Prior treatment of the ear vessels with metiamide alone caused an increase in histamine-induced perfusion pressure. From these results it was concluded that the predominant pressor effect of histamine on the vascular bed of the rabbit ear is mediated through the H1-receptors and the depressor effect of the amine through histamine H2-receptors.