Distribution of histamine receptors in isolated canine airways

The distribution of histamine receptors was examined in isolated trachealis smooth muscle strips and helical strips of large (5 mm) and small (1.5 mm) intrapulmonary airways. All airways contracted in response to histamine, but the sensitivity to this agent was significantly greater in intrapulmonary airways than in trachealis strips. A dose-dependent tachyphylaxis to histamine occurred when airways were exposed repeatedly to 10(-4) M histamine but not to 5 X 10(-6) M histamine. The H1-agonist, 2-methylhistamine, also caused airway contractions, although they were less forceful than those caused by histamine. Both histamine- and 2-methylhistamine-induced contractions were blocked by the H1-antagonist, pyrilamine. The H2-agonists, 4-methylhistamine and dimaprit, as well as histamine in the presence of pyrilamine failed to relax both acetylcholine- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions. Moreover, the H2-antagonist, metiamide, had no effect on histamine-induced contractions. We conclude that histamine H1-receptors are present in both extrapulmonary and intrapulmonary airways of the dog and cause contraction when stimulated. In contrast, histamine H2-receptor activity could not be demonstrated in the airways of this species.