Peptide-induced emesis in dogs.

Systemic administration of apomorphine, angiotensin II, neurotensin and leucine-enkephalin induces emesis in dogs in a dose-dependent fashion. Receptors for Leu-enkephalin and angiotensin II but not apomorphine show receptor desensitization, such that a second systemic administration 5 min after the first is ineffective. Domperidone blocked the emetic response to apomorphine but not to Leu-enkephalin or angiotensin II. Naloxone selectively blocked the Leu-enkephalin response, while saralasin blocked responses to both angiotensin II and Leu-enkephalin, but not apomorphine. Chlorpromazine prevented the emetic response to all agents, suggesting a dopamine receptor in the emetic pathway on the brain side of the blood-brain barrier. In dogs with ablation of the area postrema the emetic response to apomorphine and all peptides was prevented.