Evidence for an extra-abdominal site of action for the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist BRL24924 in the inhibition of radiation-evoked emesis in the ferret.

Recent studies have implicated 5-HT3(5-HT-M) receptors in the genesis of retching and vomiting evoked by antineoplastic agents. Such receptors have so far only been located peripherally, notably on the vagus. Therefore, the effects of bilateral abdominal vagotomy and antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors have been investigated on retching and vomiting induced by radiation. The gastrokinetic substituted benzamide BRL24924, (Beecham Pharmaceuticals) which has 5-HT3 receptor antagonist properties, was used. Using the ferret, it was shown that whole body x-radiation produced retching and vomiting, which was most severe during the 30 min following irradiation, and continued for at least 90 min. Abdominal vagotomy almost totally abolished the retching and vomiting, occurring during the 30 min immediately after irradiation. The following 60 min period was similar to that of control animals. This would suggest that the emetic events can be divided into a vagally-dependent and independent phase. In a small dose, BRL 24924 mimicked abdominal vagtotomy, in a larger dose, it almost totally abolished the retching and vomiting throughout the entire 90 min period. These results suggest that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are capable of ameliorating radiation-induced retching and vomiting and that, while an important site of their action could be the abdominal vagi, other areas are probably also involved.