The anti-emetic activity of oral and intravenously-administered BRL 46470 (endo-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3yl)-2,3-dihydro-3,3- dimethyl-indole-1-carboxamide HCl) has been assessed in conscious ferrets. BRL 46470 (0.05-0.5 mg kg-1, p.o.) dose-dependently prevented emesis evoked over a 2 h period by total body X-irradiation. This anti-emetic activity occurred with oral or intravenously-administered BRL 46470 even when dosed 3-4 h before radiation. In conjunction with data obtained in other species, we conclude that BRL 46470 has a potent and long-lasting ability to antagonize actions that are mediated by the 5-HT3 receptor in-vivo.