Differential action of domperidone to modify emesis and behaviour induced by apomorphine in the ferret

The action of domperidone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) on spontaneous behaviour and the emesis and behavioural change induced by apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.) were studied in the ferret. Domperidone was inactive to modify spontaneous behaviour but apomorphine-induced emesis and increased locomotor activity (distance travelled and velocity of movement; P < 0.05); the emesis, but not the modification of locomotor activity was antagonized significantly (P < 0.01) by domperidone. However, apomorphine did not modify significantly other behavioural measures (i.e. lip licking, rearing, burrowing, backward walking, curling-up activity, or defecatory frequency; P > 0.05). The action of apomorphine to modify behaviour and its interaction with domperidone in this species is discussed in relation to animal models of nausea.