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Histamine - Immune System Mediator

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Updated: March 24, 2008

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Definition: Histamine is an immune system mediator, or chemical messenger. Histamine is a vehicle of communication between different parts of the immune system.

It's released from mast cells and basophils when IgE binds to an allergen that has entered the body. Once histamine is released, the allergic response is activated and asthma symptoms result.

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