Publication details
The effects of serotonin and histamine on the functional activity of human leukocytes
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| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| Citation | |
| Description | Background: Serotonin is mainly known as a vasoconstrictor, neurotransmitter, regulator of intestinal movements etc. Histamine plays a role in immune system disorders, allergies or neurotransmittion. Since serotonin and histamin effects on the cells of immune system are purely known, we focused on evaluating antioxidant properties of serotonin and histamine and their effects on functional activity of human leukocytes. Materials and methods: Heparinized blood from healthy human volunteers was obtained by antecubital venipuncture. Total leukocytes including polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were isolated and their ability to produce reactive oxygen species after histamin or serotonin treatment was tested by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence analysis. Antioxidant parameters of both amines were measured by luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (TRAP) and fluorescence (ORAC) analyses. The ability to scavenge nitric oxide was evaluated electrochemically. Results: Serotonin significantly inhibited oxidative burst in whole blood but less in isolated leukocytes. On the contrary, histamine increased the oxidative burst in both whole blood and in isolated leukocytes. Our results confirmed the fact that serotonin is a very strong antioxidant while histamine is not. Neither of the amines scavenged nitric oxide. Conclusion: Serotonin and histamine interacted with immune system, especially with phagocytes. The increase in local concentrations of serotonin significantly reduced oxidative stress, but histamine had the opposite effect. |