# Histamine --- **Histamine** is a [[signaling molecule]] that plays several important functions in the body. which does things such as trigger [[inflammation]], etc. It is released by things like [[mast cells]], and some [[white blood cells|granulocytes]] when there is trauma involved and triggers the vasodilation for an [[inflammation|inflammatory response]]. Histamine also helps recruit other immune cells to the site of injury or infection. It also does such things as: - help digestion by stimulating the production of [[stomach acid|gastric acid]] - helps regulate the sleep wake cycle - pain sensation ## Imbalances with Histamine - decreased levels of histamine can contribute to: - [[depression]] ___