THE RELATION OF HISTAMINE TO INTESTINAL INTOXICATION II. THE ABSORPTION OF HISTAMINE FROMTHE INTESTINE

¹ Department of Therapeutics, University of Edinburgh

1. The rate of absorption of histamine from the intestine, as measured by the rate of fall of blood pressure produced, is greatest from the ileum, somewhat less from the duodenum, and very much less, though still perfectly definite, from the caecum and stomach.

2. Absorption experiments with an Eck fistula in operation indicate that the liver exercises a protective function, probably more mechanical than chemical, against heavy doses of histamine.

3. With the mucous membrane damaged by cutting off the blood supply for five to fifteen minutes the fall of blood pressure would indicate that absorption takes place at first with a rush and then almost ceases.