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Ferrets are the animal model of choice for evaluating a compound’s anti-emetic properties, because of that animal’s similarities to humans in its neuroanatomy of the brain stem and stomach, and because of the ferret’s sensitivity to emesis-inducing agents. In this model an emesis-inducing agent such as the chemotherapeutic cisplatin, is administered under anesthesia. Following awakening, the numbers of episodes of retching and vomiting are counted. A test compound may be administered prior to, concurrent with, or immediately after the emesis-inducing agent.
Examples of the specific protocols used for NDI studies are described in the following references:
Wright A, Andrews PL, Titball RW. (2000) Induction of emetic, pyrexic, and behavioral effects of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B in the ferret. Infection and Immunity, 68(4): 2386-2389.
Van Sickle MD, Oland LD, Mackie K, Davison JS, Sharkey KA. (2003) ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol selectively acts on CB1 receptors in specific regions of dorsal vagal complex to inhibit emesis in ferrets. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 285: G566-G576.
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