The role of the beta-noradrenergic system in cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide-induced panic symptoms.
BACKGROUND
The authors determined whether effective beta-adrenergic blockade could attenuate the panicogenic effects of cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to either a propranolol (n = 14) or placebo (n = 16) infusion. Ten minutes after completion of the infusion subjects received a bolus injection of CCK-4 (50 micrograms).


RESULTS
Acute pretreatment with propranolol was more effective than placebo in decreasing behavioral and cardiovascular sensitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest that the panicogenic effects of CCK-4 are mediated, in part, through the beta-adrenergic system.
Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
J M
JM
Le Mellédo
J
J
Bradwejn
D
D
Koszycki
D G
DG
Bichet
F
F
Bellavance
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013758:Tetragastrin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013758:Tetragastrin; D011433:Propranolol