Neuropharmacology of emesis in relation to clinical response. Discussion

5-HT 3 receptor antagonists such as ondansetron, granisetron, ICS205-930 and zacopride are highly effective in the ferret, cat or dog to prevent emesis caused by cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic agents, and radiation treatment. The anti-emetic effects may be mediated centrally in the area postrema and associated structures of the emetic reflex such as the nucleus tractus solitarius, which have a very high density of 5-HT 3 receptors. Additional sites of action may be found on the 5-HT 3 receptors located on the vagus nerve or enteric neuronal elements in the gastro-intestinal tract