This gene encodes a member of the group II decarboxylase family and forms a homodimer that converts L-histidine to histamine in a pyridoxal phosphate dependent manner. Histamine regulates several physiologic processes, including neurotransmission, gastric acid secretion,inflamation, and smooth muscle tone.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2010].
Liu, Chen, Guo, Yang, Zhao, Bai: "The expression of PTHLH in human gastric mucosa enterochromaffin-like cells." in: Digestive diseases and sciences, Vol. 56, Issue 4, pp. 993-8, (2011) (PubMed).