The H1 receptor agonist 2-(3-chlorophenyl)histamine activates Gi proteins in HL-60 cells through a mechanism that is independent of known histamine receptor subtypes.

In dibutyryl-cAMP-differentiated HL-60 cells, histamine H1 and formyl peptide receptors mediate increases in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) via pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins of the Gi family. We compared the effects of 2-(3-chlorophenyl)-histamine (CPH) [2-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl] ethanamine], one of the most potent and selective H1 receptor agonists presently available, with those of histamine and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP) in these cells. CPH increased [Ca2+]i through Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx. Unlike histamine-induced rises in [Ca2+]i, those induced by CPH were not desensitized in a homologous manner, and there was no cross-desensitization between CPH and histamine. Like fMLP, CPH activated phospholipases C and D, tyrosine phosphorylation, superoxide anion formation, and azurophilic granule release. The effects of CPH on [Ca2+]i, phospholipase D, and superoxide anion formation were inhibited by pertussis toxin. CPH and fMLP stimulated high affinity GTP hydrolysis by Gi proteins in HL-60 membranes. They also enhanced binding of guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate and GTP azidoanilide to, and cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of, Gi protein alpha subunits. Histamine receptor antagonists did not inhibit the stimulatory effects of CPH, and CPH did not reduce fMLP binding in HL-60 membranes. Our data suggest that CPH activates Gi proteins in HL-60 cells through a receptor agonist-like mechanism that is, however, independent of known histamine receptor subtypes and formyl peptide receptors. CPH may be an agonist at an as yet unknown histamine receptor subtype or, by analogy with other cationic-amphiphilic substances, may activate G proteins directly. Future studies will have to take into consideration the fact that CPH, in addition to activating H1 receptors, may show other, most unexpected, stimulatory effects on G protein-mediated signal transduction processes.

Histamine analogues, XXXV: 2-substituted histamine derivatives containing classical moieties of H2-antagonists--a novel class of H1-agonists.

A new type of H1-agonists resulted from the combination of the essential histamine structure with parts of H2-antagonists. 2,4-Disubstituted imidazole derivatives were synthesized by reaction of imidic acid methyl esters with 1,3-dihydroxypropanone, 1,4-dihydroxybutanone or 2-oxo-4-phthalimido-1-butylacetate in liquid NH3. The imidazole intermediates were converted into histamine analogues by simple deprotection, Gabriel synthesis followed by deprotection, or by side-chain elongation via the nitriles and final hydrogenation. The new compounds were screened for H1-activity on the isolated guinea-pig ileum and for H2-antagonistic activity on the isolated guinea-pig right atrium. The substances are comparably weak H1-agonists and moderate H2-blockers.

Histamine analogues. 36th communication. Basically substituted histamine derivatives with H1-agonistic activity.

Piperidinoalkyl-, morpholinoalkyl- or [(pyrid-2-yl)methylthio]alkyl-substituents were introduced into position 2 of the essential histamine structure. These 2-substituted histamine derivatives were prepared via reaction of imidate hydrochlorides in liquid ammonia under pressure with 1,3-dihydroxypropanone followed by a stepwise build-up of the side chain in position 4 of the imidazole nucleus (route I) or by cyclization with 2-oxo-4-phthalimido-1-butyl acetate (route II) followed by deprotection of the primary amine function. The novel compounds were screened for H1-activity on the isolated guinea-pig ileum and for H2-activity on the isolated guinea-pig right atrium. While 10a, c-e proved to be weak partial H1-agonists, 10b, f were very weak H1-antagonists.