Investigation into the mechanism of action of corticosteroids to antagonise cisplatin- and motion-induced emesis.

Sam Sze Wing. ; Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. ; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-184). ; Abstracts in English and Chinese. ; Publications based on work in this thesis --- p.ii ; Abstract --- p.iii ; Acknowledgements --- p.vii ; Chapter 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 ; Chapter 1.1 --- Corticosteroids --- p.2 ; Chapter 1.1.1 --- Chemical Structure of Steroids --- p.3 ; Chapter 1.1.2 --- Biosynthesis of Endogenous Corticosteroids --- p.3 ; Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Regulation of Cortisol synthesis and negative feedback system --- p.4 ; Chapter 1.1.3 --- Biological Significance of Corticosteroids --- p.5 ; Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Involvement of corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory drugs --- p.6 ; Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Eicosanoid biosynthesis --- p.7 ; Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Lipoxygenase pathway --- p.9 ; Chapter 1.1.3.4 --- Side-effects of prolonged use of corticosteroids --- p.9 ; Chapter 1.2 --- Organisation of the Emetic Reflex --- p.11 ; Chapter 1.2.1 --- Motor Pathway of Emetic Reflex --- p.12 ; Chapter 1.2.1.1 --- Retching and vomiting --- p.12 ; Chapter 1.2.1.2 --- Nausea --- p.13 ; Chapter 1.2.2 --- Components of the Emetic Reflex --- p.14 ; Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- The vomiting centre (VC) --- p.15 ; Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Area postrema (AP) / Chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) --- p.15 ; Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) --- p.17 ; Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Gastrointestinal tract and vagus nerves --- p.17 ; Chapter 1.2.2.5 --- Neurotransmitter receptors --- p.18 ; Chapter 1.3 --- Chemotherapy-Induced Emesis --- p.19 ; Chapter 1.3.1 --- Cancer as a cause of mortality in Man --- p.20 ; Chapter 1.3.2 --- Chemotherapeutic Agents --- p.20 ; Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Different classes --- p.20 ; Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Emetogenic potential --- p.21 ; Chapter 1.3.3 --- Cisplatin-Induced Emesis --- p.23 ; Chapter 1.3.3.1 --- Unfavourable effects associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis --- p.24 ; Chapter 1.3.3.2 --- Anticipatory nausea and vomiting --- p.24 ; Chapter 1.3.3.3 --- ...