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Megestrol attenuates the hormonal response to CCK-4-induced panic attacks
Thomas J Raedler1, Holger Jahn, Birgit Goedeken
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. traedler@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Depression and Anxiety
|February 14, 2006
Summary
Megestrol, a progestational hormone, reduced stress hormone release in healthy males experiencing CCK-4-induced panic attacks. However, it did not significantly alter the panic attack symptoms themselves.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Progestational hormones are investigated for potential anxiolytic effects.
- Cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) is a pharmacological tool to induce panic attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of megestrol and placebo on CCK-4-induced panic attacks and stress hormone release.
- To evaluate megestrol's impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in healthy males.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, balanced study design was used with 10 healthy male controls.
- Participants received either placebo or megestrol (320 mg total) before CCK-4 administration.
- Clinical panic ratings and blood samples for ACTH and cortisol were collected.
Main Results:
- CCK-4 significantly increased anxiety and tension.
- Megestrol pretreatment did not significantly affect clinical panic ratings.
- Megestrol significantly reduced baseline and CCK-4-induced ACTH and cortisol levels.
Conclusions:
- Megestrol demonstrated a significant effect on the HPA axis in healthy males.
- The clinical impact of megestrol on CCK-4-induced panic attacks was minimal.
- Further research with larger, diverse samples is warranted.
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