FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR MEDIATION BY HISTAMINE OF ESTROGENIC STIMULATION OF THE RAT UTERUS12

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Abstract
Solutions of histamine dihydrochloride or of a synthetic histamine releasing agent (Compound 48–80) were introduced into the uterine lumen of adult, castrated rats. Within four hours following administration, increases in water content and changes in gross vascular appearance of the organ were produced which were comparable to the maxima induced by intravenous or intraluminal estrogen for the same period of treatment. Intravenously administered cortisol substantially diminished the hyperemia and water imbibition elicited by 4–80 or by histamine. Two of the 4 structurally interrelated antihistamines tested (Benadryl hydrochloride and Chlor-Trimeton maleate), were effective in blocking estradiol-stimulated hydration and hyperemia. These findings are regarded as support for the view that estrogen action, in effecting vasodilation and edema in the rat uterus, is mediated by the local release of histamine. It is proposed that cortisol may antagonize responses to estrogen in the uterus by non-specifically decreasing capillary permeability in that organ.