H2reseptori

H2 reseptori, also known as histamine H2 receptors, are a type of receptor found on the surface of cells throughout the body. They are primarily activated by histamine, a signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. When histamine binds to an H2 receptor, it triggers a cascade of events within the cell, leading to specific cellular responses.

One of the most well-known functions of H2 receptors is their role in the stomach. They are located on the parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. By stimulating these cells, histamine acting through H2 receptors increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, a crucial component for digestion and killing ingested pathogens. This is why H2 receptor antagonists, drugs that block these receptors, are used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions like heartburn and peptic ulcers.

Beyond the stomach, H2 receptors are also found in other tissues, including the heart, blood vessels, and immune cells. In the cardiovascular system, histamine acting on H2 receptors can have vasodilatory effects, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. In the immune system, H2 receptors are involved in modulating inflammatory responses. The precise functions of H2 receptors in these locations are still areas of ongoing research, highlighting their diverse roles in maintaining bodily homeostasis.