In comparison with a series of reference compounds, (2R-trans)-4-[1- [3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-2-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-acetamide (S)-Hydroxybutanedioate (R116301) was characterized as a specific, orally, and centrally active neurokinin-1 (NK 1 ) receptor antagonist with subnanomolar affinity for the human NK 1 receptor (K i : 0.45 nM) and over 200-fold selectivity toward NK 2 and NK 3 receptors. R116301 inhibited substance P (SP)-induced peripheral effects (skin reactions and plasma extravasation in guinea pigs) and a central effect (thumping in gerbils) at low doses (0.08 -0.16 mg/kg, s.c. or i.p.), reflecting its high potency as an NK 1 receptor antagonist and excellent brain disposition. Higher doses blocked various emetic stimuli in ferrets, cats, and dogs (ED 50 values: 3.2 mg/kg, s.c.; 0.72-2.5 mg/kg, p.o.). Even higher doses (11-25 mg/kg, s.c.) were required in mice (capsaicin-induced ear edema) and rats (SP-induced extravasation and salivation), consistent with lower affinity for the rodent NK 1 receptor and known species differences in NK 1 receptor interactions. R116301 inhibited the ocular discharge (0.034 mg/kg) but not the dyspnoea, lethality, or cough (Ͼ40 mg/kg, s.c.) induced by [ALA 8 ]-neurokinin A (NKA) (4 -10) in guinea pigs, attesting to NK 1 over NK 2 selectivity. R116301 did not affect senktide-induced miosis (Ͼ5 mg/kg, s.c.) in rabbits, confirming the absence of an interaction with the NK 3 receptor. R116301 was inactive in guinea pigs against skin reactions induced by histamine, platelet-aggregating factor, bradykinin, or Ascaris allergens (Ͼ10 mg/kg, s.c.). In all species, R116301 showed excellent oral over parenteral activity (ratio, 0.22-2.7) and a relatively long duration (6.5-16 h, p.o.). The data attest to the specificity and sensitivity of the animal models and support a role of NK 1 receptors in various diseases.Tachykinins belong to a family of short peptides that are widely distributed in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous system (Lundberg, 1995;Maggi, 1995;Bertrand and Geppetti, 1996). They share the common C-terminal sequence Phe-Xaa-Gly-Leu-Met-NH 2 . Tachykinins released from peripheral sensory nerve endings are believed to be involved in neurogenic inflammation. In the spinal cord/central nervous system, tachykinins may play a role in pain transmission/perception and in some autonomic reflexes and behaviors. The three major tachykinins are substance P (SP), neurokinin (NK) A and NKB with preferential affinity for three distinct receptor subtypes, termed NK 1 , NK 2 , and NK 3 , respectively. However, functional studies on cloned receptors suggest strong functional cross-interaction between the three Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at