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It has been known for more than one hundred years that an intravenous injection of histamine causes a fall in the blood pressure. [30] The underlying mechanism concerns both vascular hyperpermeability and vasodilation. Histamine binding to endothelial cells causes them to contract, thus increasing vascular leak.
The extent of vasoconstriction may be slight or severe depending on the substance or circumstance. Many vasoconstrictors also cause pupil dilation. Medications that cause vasoconstriction include: antihistamines, decongestants, and stimulants. Severe vasoconstriction may result in symptoms of intermittent claudication. [1]
A-fragments form distinct structural domains of approximately 76 amino acids, coded for by a single exon within the complement protein gene. The C3a, C4a and C5a components are referred to as anaphylatoxins: [4] [5] they cause smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation, histamine release from mast cells, and enhanced vascular permeability. [5]
Anaphylactic shock is caused by a severe anaphylactic reaction to an allergen, antigen, drug, or foreign protein causing the release of histamine which causes widespread vasodilation, leading to hypotension and increased capillary permeability. Signs of anaphylaxis Signs typically occur after exposure to an allergen and may include:
Vasodilation works to decrease vascular resistance and blood pressure through relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media layer of large arteries and smaller arterioles. [17] When vasodilation causes systolic blood pressure to fall below 90 mmHg, circulatory shock is observed. [11]
Once released, the histamine can react with local or widespread tissues through histamine receptors. [citation needed] Histamine, acting on H 1-receptors, produces pruritus, vasodilation, hypotension, flushing, headache, bradycardia, bronchoconstriction, increase in vascular permeability and potentiation of pain. [2]
A vasoactive substance is an endogenous agent or pharmaceutical drug that has the effect of either increasing or decreasing blood pressure and/or heart rate through its vasoactivity, that is, vascular activity (effect on blood vessels).
Type I hypersensitivity can be further classified into immediate and late-phase reactions. Within minutes of exposure to an antigen, the immediate hypersensitivity occurs, releasing histamines and lipid mediators which are responsible for the initial allergic reaction response.