Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine treatment in the area postrema on morphine-induced emesis in ferrets.
To investigate the role of catecholamine release in emesis, we examined the effects of pretreatment with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA) administered into the area postrema in morphine-induced emesis in ferrets. In the 6-OH-DA pre-treated animals, the latency to the first emetic response induced by morphine hydrochloride (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) was significantly prolonged and the number of retches and emetic episodes was markedly reduced. In the medulla oblongata, the levels of dopamine and homovanilic acid were reduced by 6-OH-DA pretreatment. These results suggest that catecholamine release in the medulla oblongata, mainly dopamine release, may play an important role in morphine-induced emesis in ferrets.
Yoshikawa
Takashi
T
Drug Research Division, Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Suita/Osaka, Japan. takashi-yoshikawa@dainippon-pharm.co.jp
Yoshida
Naoyuki
N
D000818:Animals; D031608:Area Postrema / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005289:Ferrets; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000633:toxicity*; D016627:Oxidopamine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
D009020:Morphine; D016627:Oxidopamine