Neurochemistry and neuropharmacology of emesis - the role of serotonin.
Emesis is an instinctive defense reaction caused by the somato-autonomic nerve reflex which is integrated in the medulla oblongata. Emesis caused by cytotoxic drugs and radiation is associated with an increase in the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the intestinal mucosa and in the brainstem. 5-HT released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells, which synthesize and secrete 5-HT, stimulates the 5-HT(3) receptors on the adjacent vagal afferent nerves. This vagal afferent nerve depolarization may evoke the vomiting reflex. This review describes the role of 5-HT in anticancer drug-induced emesis from the viewpoint of 5-HT release from EC cells and afferent vagus nerve activity.
Endo
T
T
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757, Ishikari-Tobetsu, 061-0293, Hokkaido, Japan. toruendo@hoku-iryo-u.ac.jp
Minami
M
M
Hirafuji
M
M
Ogawa
T
T
Akita
K
K
Nemoto
M
M
Saito
H
H
Yoshioka
M
M
Parvez
S H
SH
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin