Q34. What are the functions performed by histamine in the body?
Answer: Histamine is a potent vasodilator. It contracts muscles in the gut and bronchi. It relaxes some other muscles, e.g. in the walls of blood vessels. Histamine is also responsible for congestion in the nose associated with the common cold and allergies. Also, histamine stimulates the release of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
