ADMINISTRATION OF HISTAMINE FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

摘要

Methods for obtaining beneficial stable levels of circulating histamine are disclosed for use in methods for enhancing the cytotoxicity of cytotoxic effector cells. In such methods, a beneficial level of circulating histamine is attained and an agent whose ability to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity is augmented by histamine is administered. Alternatively, stable beneficial levels of circulating histamine can be attained in subjects receiving chemotherapy or antiviral treatment. The invention may also be employed in treatments combining histamine, agents which enhance the cytotoxicity of cytotoxic effector cells, and chemotherapeutic agents. Optimization of the delivery of histamine and substances which induce the release of endogenous histamine are also disclosed.