Histamine metabolism in the human placenta and in the umbilical cord blood

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Abstract
The histaminase activity in 124 placentae was investigated by a microchemical method. For normal pregnancies, 1 g. of placenta inactivated 45.5 [mu]g. histamine/hr. Activity tended to be lower in placentae delivered by Caesarean section and was significantly decreased in cases of severe toxemia. In 4 twin pregnancies, activity was significantly increased. Placental histaminase was more active on cadaverine than on histamine. Umbilical cord blood showed no histaminase but one maternal blood during labor was active. There was no difference in the histamine content of maternal and fetal blood cells or plasma.