Antiemetic properties of the 5HT3-receptor antagonist, GR38032F.

GR38032F is a highly selective 5HT3-receptor antagonist which inhibits vomiting induced by cisplatin, cyclophosphamide or X-radiation in the ferret. Since cisplatin selectively increased the levels of 5HT and 5HIAA in the intestinal mucosa, a possible site of the antiemetic action of GR38032F may be on 5HT3-receptors on vagal afferents in the small intestine. The potent antiemetic action of GR38032F should be of clinical value in reducing the nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy of cancer.