In vitro effects of histamine on eosinophil migration.

Histamine at concentrations of 5 X 10(-6) to 5 X 10(-5) M increased eosinophil movement to endotoxin-activated serum (EAS). This effect was due entirely to stimulation of random migration (chemokinesis). Directional motility (true chemotaxis) was inhibited by these concentrations. Regulation of chemotaxis was apparently mediated via an H2 receptor as metiamide, an H2 receptor antagonist, but not diphenylhydramine hydrochloride, an H1 receptor antagonist, blocked the histamine-induced inhibition of chemotaxis. Both histamine and metiamide when used alone had no effect on eosinophil motility. The histamine effects on motility were associated with increased levels of intracellular cAMP, whereas cGMP levels were not affected.