Pica in Rats as a Preclinical Model of Emesis. Issue 1 (15th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, T. Gregg
• Editors: Crawley, Jacqueline N.; Gerfen, Charles R.; Rogawski, Michael A.; Sibley, David R.; Skolnick, Phil; Wray, Susan
• Is Part Of: Current protocols in neuroscience. Issue 77:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 9.53.1
• Page End: 9.53.6
• Publication Date: 2016-10-15
• Subjects: pica -- emesis -- rats -- therapeutic index; Neurosciences -- Laboratory manuals; Neurosciences; Cytological Techniques; Histological Techniques; Nervous System -- anatomy & histology; Neurosciences; Laboratory Manual; Laboratory manuals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1002/cpns.12
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1934-8576

Abstract

Abstract: The ability to assess the potential for gastrointestinal adverse events in a preclinical setting is a challenge in the development of new drugs, as the vast majority of in vivo research is conducted in rodent species lacking a vomiting reflex. The use of higher species capable of emesis is often limited by cost, technical experience, and relevant efficacy models to define a therapeutic index. Additionally, investigators should be mindful of ethical considerations when using more sentient species when an alternative in lower species is available. This unit describes the use of pica behavior in rodents as an alternative for evaluating emetic potential in vivo. After an acclimation period, the incidence of rats engaging in pica following the administration of a test article can be used to generate a dose‐response curve of the pica behavior. When linked with an appropriate efficacy model, this allows compounds to be ranked based on therapeutic index. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.