Catecholaminergic influences on motion sickness.

The evidence for possible roles of catecholamines in motion sickness is reviewed. l-Dopa is implicated in that it is the precursor to catecholaminergic neurotransmitters. Dopamine may have a role in stimulating motion sickness, though much basic information is lacking. Epinephrine may have a stimulatory role, since anatomical, pharmacological and physiological evidence is consistent with such a role. Norepinephrine probably inhibits motion sickness, as indicated by anatomical, physiological and pharmacological evidence. Information is missing that is critical to the understanding of the roles of each neurotransmitter in motion sickness.