This document discusses autacoids, which are locally acting hormones produced and released by cells in the body. It focuses on histamine as a classical autacoid. Histamine is synthesized from histidine and stored in mast cells and basophils. It is released through immunological and chemical mechanisms to act on H1, H2, H3, and H4 receptors. H1 receptor activation causes effects like smooth muscle contraction and vasodilation. H2 receptor activation stimulates gastric acid secretion. Histamine is antagonized by mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines like first-generation and newer second-generation drugs.