Abstract The synthesis and H 3-activity of a series of isothiourea analogues of histamine have been described. It has been shown that S-[2-(4 (5)-imidazolyl) ethylisothiourea (VUF 8325) is a potent H 3-agonist measured as the electrically evoked contraction of the guinea- pig ileum. Upon methylation of the imidazole system or the isothiourea moiety a decrease in affinity was observed leading to potent H 3-antagonists. Particularly the 4-chlorobenzyl ...