Central alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in the emetic pathway in cats

The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of clonidine, xylazine, adrenaline and methoxamine elicited dose-dependent vomiting in cats in that order of potency. The vomiting induced by clonidine, xylazine and adrenaline was antagonized by i.c.v. yohimbine and phentolamine possessing alpha 2-adrenoceptor-blocking activity, but not by prazosin showing alpha 1-adrenoceptor-blocking activity. In contrast, methoxamine-induced vomiting was antagonized by prazosin, but not by yohimbine. The vomiting induced by xylazine and adrenaline was not prevented by i.c.v. 6-hydroxydopamine treatment, but was prevented by i.c.v. reserpine treatment. Ablation of the area postrema with some damage to extremely adjacent areas abolished the vomiting induced by each alpha-adrenoceptor agonist. These results indicate that both central alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors are involved in the emetic pathway in cats, although alpha 2-adrenoceptors seem to have the main role. It is also suggested that monoamines, and in particular 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain, are involved in the regulation of alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vomiting.