Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of 1,2-dihydro-1-[(5-methyl-1-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-2-oxopyridine 5-HT3 antagonists are described. The key pharmacophoric elements were defined as a basic nitrogen, a linking group capable of hydrogen bonding interactions, and an aromatic moiety. 1,2-Dihydro-2-oxopyridine moiety could be a good linking group because of its nicely planar structure. The steric limitations of the aromatic moiety were investigated by X-ray analysis and computer analysis and shown to be optimal when the aromatic moiety was constrained within an arched planar system, which could be successfully replaced by 3-(2-thienyl)-2-oxopyridine function or 6-amino-7-chloro-1-isoquinolinone function without any loss of the activity. Among the synthesized compounds, 42 showed the most potent activity in the inhibition of Bezold-Jarisch reflex in rats. Compounds 44a and 64 were orally active in the protection against cisplatin-induced emesis in dogs or ferrets. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.