Role of histamine H(3) receptor in glucagon-secreting αTC1.6 cells

Pancreatic α-cells secrete glucagon to maintain energy homeostasis. Although histamine has an important role in energy homeostasis, the expression and function of histamine receptors in pancreatic α-cells remains unknown. We found that the histamine H(3) receptor (H(3)R) was expressed in mouse pancreatic α-cells and αTC1.6 cells, a mouse pancreatic α-cell line. H(3)R inhibited glucagon secretion from αTC1.6 cells by inhibiting an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. We also found that immepip, a selective H(3)R agonist, decreased serum glucagon concentration in rats. These results suggest that H(3)R modulates glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells.