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Vasopressin induces emesis in Suncus murinus
1Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan. ikegaya@tk.airnet.ne.jp
Abstract:
This paper reports that vasopressin is emetogenic in the house musk shrew Suncus murinus. Either intravenous or intracerebroventricular administration of vasopressin caused vomiting within a few minutes. The ED50 of intravenous vasopressin was as high as 4.67 microg/kg, whereas intracerebroventricularly injected vasopressin was effective at a low dose of 20 ng/brain. The emetogenic target of vasopressin may therefore be present in the central nervous system. We propose the Suncus as a useful animal for investigation of vasopressin-mediated emesis, including motion sickness.
Insights
Vasopressin triggers vomiting in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus). This finding suggests vasopressin
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Vasopressin is a peptide hormone with diverse physiological roles.
- Its potential role in emesis (vomiting) has not been fully elucidated.
- Understanding the neurochemical basis of emesis is crucial for developing anti-emetic therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emetogenic potential of vasopressin in a mammalian model.
- To determine the effective dose and route of administration for vasopressin-induced emesis.
- To explore the potential central nervous system target for vasopressin's emetic effects.
Main Methods:
- Administration of vasopressin via intravenous and intracerebroventricular routes in Suncus murinus.
- Observation and quantification of emetic responses following vasopressin administration.
- Dose-response analysis to determine the median effective dose (ED50).
Main Results:
- Both intravenous and intracerebroventricular administration of vasopressin induced vomiting.
- Intracerebroventricular administration was significantly more potent (20 ng/brain) than intravenous (4.67 microg/kg).
- The high potency of central administration suggests a target within the central nervous system.
Conclusions:
- Vasopressin acts as an emetogen in the house musk shrew.
- The central nervous system is implicated as the primary site of vasopressin's emetic action.
- Suncus murinus is proposed as a valuable animal model for studying vasopressin-mediated emesis and related conditions like motion sickness.