[The brain histamine H3 receptors: sleep-wake control and novel therapeutic targets for sleep disorders].

Abstract

Histaminergic neurons are located exclusively in the posterior hypothalamus from where they project to virtually all brain areas and fulfill a major role in the maintenance of waking. H3-receptors are firstly autoreceptors damping the release and synthesis of histamine and the firing of histamine neurons. This action also extends to heteroreceptors on most other neurotransmitter systems, allowing a powerful control over multiple homeostatic functions. The particular properties and locations of H3-receptors provide quite favorable attributes to make this a most promising target for sleep-wake control and sleep disorders. This review summarizes the most recent data on the role of H3-receptor in physiological sleep-wake regulation and preclinical and clinical evidence supporting H3-receptor as brain target for therapy of sleep and vigilance disorders.

• Authors: Yan Zhao, Jian-Sheng Lin
• Journal: Sheng li ke xue jin zhan [Progress in physiology] (Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan) Vol. 45 Issue 1 Pg. 7-15 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 0559-7765 [Print] China
• PMID: 24873137 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Histamine H3

Topics

• Brain
• Homeostasis
• Humans
• Receptors, Histamine H3
• Sleep
• Sleep Wake Disorders
• Wakefulness