1. The histamine-forming capacity, i.e. histidine decarboxylase activity, was studied in the acid-secreting mucosa of the human stomach employing a highly sensitive and specific isotope-dilution method. Activity was observed in each of six specimens.
2. The enzyme, histamine methyltransferase, which methylates ring nitrogen, was also present and the product, which is inactive as a gastric acid secretogogue, was observed.
3. The products of side-chain N-methylation, N-methylhistamine and N-dimethylhistamine, both of which are highly active in promoting acid secretion, could not be detected by biological and chromatographic techniques.
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© 1973 The Biochemical Society and the Medical Research Society
1973
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