CISPLATIN-INDUCED EMESIS IN THE FERRET - A NEW ANIMAL-MODEL

Abstract

The ferret, a carnivore weighing .apprx. 1 kg, was evaluated for its potential use in testing drugs for emetic and antiemetic activity. An acute emetic response to apomorphine indicated that the ferret can respond to emetic stimuli and suggested that the ferret has an emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone. Cisplatin [an antineoplastic drug] produced a dose-related emetic response. Antagonism with metoclopramide provided complete protection from cisplatin-induced emesis. The ferret evidently may be a useful species in emesis research.