An investigation of the question of histamine tolerance

Abstract

1. 1. The subcutaneous administration of histamine to dogs with total gastric pouches does not result in tachyphylaxis, as measured by the gastric secretory response. 2. 2. A gradual reduction in gastric secretory response is noted in the total pouch dogs when histamine is administered (1) at three-hour intervals, (2) twice a day for a four-day period, and (3) eight to twelve times a month for a six-month period. 3. 3. Under similar conditions, Heidenhain pouch dogs do not show this decreasing response, nor do they show a decreasing response when histamine is given twice daily, on alternate days, for three weeks. 4. 4. It may be concluded that the decreasing response noted in total pouch dogs is related to the greater loss of gastric juice and to the poorer reserve nutrition of the total pouch dogs. 5. 5. The opinion is expressed that animal experiments have so far failed to provide an experimental analogy for the therapeutic effect claimed for histamine “desensitization” in allergy.