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Induction of emesis in Suncus murinus by pyrogallol, a generator of free radicals

Y Torii1, H Saito, N Matsuki

  • 1Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Pyrogallol causes dose-dependent vomiting in shrews by generating free radicals. This effect, mediated by the vagal nerve and serotonin release, can be blocked by antioxidants and specific receptor antagonists.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Free radicals are implicated in various physiological processes.
  • The emetogenic potential of pyrogallol, a free radical generator, has not been fully elucidated.
  • Understanding emesis mechanisms is crucial for developing anti-emetic therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the emetogenic effects of pyrogallol in Suncus murinus.
  • To explore the prophylactic potential of an antioxidant (MPG) and a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (tropisetron) against pyrogallol-induced emesis.
  • To determine the role of the vagal nerve in pyrogallol-induced emesis.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of pyrogallol (i.p.) to Suncus murinus to assess emesis.
  • Prophylactic treatment with N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) and tropisetron.
  • Surgical abdominal vagotomy in Suncus murinus.
  • Dose-response analysis to determine ED50 and ID50 values.

Main Results:

  • Pyrogallol induced dose-dependent emesis in Suncus murinus (ED50 = 77.3 mg kg-1).
  • MPG (ID50 = 149 mg kg-1) and tropisetron (ID50 = 117 μg kg-1) significantly prevented pyrogallol-induced emesis.
  • Abdominal vagotomy completely abolished pyrogallol-induced emesis.

Conclusions:

  • Pyrogallol-induced emesis in Suncus murinus shares characteristics with cisplatin-induced emesis.
  • Free radical generation by pyrogallol likely triggers peripheral serotonin release, stimulating vagal afferent nerves to induce vomiting.
  • These findings support the role of free radicals and serotonin in emesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets.

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