Neurobiological investigations into the role of cholecystokinin in panic disorder

J Psychiatry Neurosci. 1993 Jul;18(4):178-88.

Abstract

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neurotransmitter found in high density in the brains of mammals. Microiontophoretic studies showing that benzodiazepines selectively antagonized CCK-induced excitation of rat hippocampal neurons have led to the hypothesis that CCK is an anxiogenic peptide. The hypothesis was supported by demonstrations that CCK-tetrapeptide (CCK4) induces panic attacks in humans. This paper reviews phases of investigations which studied the validity of CCK4 as a panicogenic agent and research strategies for the study of panic disorder using CCK4 as an investigative tool.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Benzodiazepines / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Cholecystokinin / analysis
  • Cholecystokinin / genetics
  • Cholecystokinin / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / drug effects
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Imipramine / metabolism
  • Imipramine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Panic Disorder / drug therapy
  • Panic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Sincalide / analysis
  • Sincalide / genetics
  • Tetragastrin / analysis

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Tetragastrin
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cholecystokinin
  • Sincalide
  • Imipramine