Cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy can induce vomiting by damaging enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gastrointestinal tract. These damaged EC cells release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), which then activates 5-HT$_3$ receptors located on vagal afferent nerve terminals in the gut. These signals are transmitted to the vomiting center in the brainstem, triggering emesis. Therefore, the serotonin 5-HT$_3$ receptor plays a crucial role in cytotoxic drug-induced vomiting, and 5-HT$_3$ receptor antagonists are effective antiemetics in this context.