title: Neurochemistry and neuropharmacology of emesis - the role of serotonin.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Minami
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hirafuji
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akita
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nemoto
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yoshioka
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Parvez
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin