HISTAMINE METHYLTRANSFERASE Meaning and
Definition
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Histamine methyltransferase is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of histamine in the human body. It plays a crucial role in regulating the levels of histamine, a biogenic amine that is involved in various physiological processes.
Histamine methyltransferase, also known as HMT or histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT), is primarily found in tissues that are rich in mast cells, such as the liver, kidney, and small intestine. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to the amino nitrogen of histamine, resulting in the formation of N-methylhistamine. This methylation reaction is a key step in the inactivation and elimination of histamine from the body.
The activity of histamine methyltransferase helps regulate histamine levels in response to various stimuli, such as an allergic reaction or tissue damage. By methylating histamine, this enzyme converts it into a biologically inactive form, limiting its effects on target tissues. Dysfunction or deficiency in histamine methyltransferase can lead to increased histamine levels, resulting in various symptoms and disorders, including allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders.
In addition to its role in histamine metabolism, histamine methyltransferase is also involved in the metabolism of other biogenic amines, including serotonin and dopamine. It participates in the inactivation of these neurotransmitters, contributing to their homeostasis in the brain.
Understanding the function and regulation of histamine methyltransferase is important for developing therapeutic strategies to modulate histamine levels and treat related disorders.
Common Misspellings for HISTAMINE METHYLTRANSFERASE
- gistamine methyltransferase
- bistamine methyltransferase
- nistamine methyltransferase
- jistamine methyltransferase
- uistamine methyltransferase
- yistamine methyltransferase
- hustamine methyltransferase
- hjstamine methyltransferase
- hkstamine methyltransferase
- hostamine methyltransferase
- h9stamine methyltransferase
- h8stamine methyltransferase
- hiatamine methyltransferase
- hiztamine methyltransferase
- hixtamine methyltransferase
- hidtamine methyltransferase
- hietamine methyltransferase
- hiwtamine methyltransferase
- hisramine methyltransferase
- hisfamine methyltransferase
Etymology of HISTAMINE METHYLTRANSFERASE
The word "Histamine Methyltransferase" is composed of two main components: "histamine" and "methyltransferase".
1. Histamine: The term "histamine" comes from the Latin word "histus", meaning "web" or "tissue". It was coined by the British pharmacologist Sir Henry H. Dale in 1911. Dale named histamine after its original function, which was believed to be mainly related to tissue reactions. Histamine is a compound found in various bodily tissues and is involved in numerous physiological processes and allergic reactions.
2. Methyltransferase: The term "methyltransferase" is a combination of "methyl-", derived from the Greek word "methe" meaning "wine", and "transferase", derived from the Latin "transferre" meaning "to carry across".
Similar spelling word for HISTAMINE METHYLTRANSFERASE
- histamine n-methyltransferase.
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