Effects of m-chlorophenylpiperazine in normal subjects: a dose-response study

m-Chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP), a direct 5HT receptor agonist, was administered orally to 20 normal subjects in two doses (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) in a placebo-controlled design. Behavioral responses; ACTH, cortisol, prolactin and MCPP blood level; temperature and pulse rate were measured over a 210-min period after administration of tablets. Non-linear dose-response relationships between MCPP and ACTH, cortisol and prolactin response were found. On the higher dose, a significant increase in the number of physical symptoms was also noted and three subjects (15%) had a panic attack, while one subject (5%) had a panic attack on the lower dose. No effects on other behavioral variables, pulse rate and temperature were found using either dose. These findings attest to the usefulness of MCPP as a challenge agent to assess 5HT receptor hypersensitivity when given at a low oral dose (i.e. around 0.25 mg/kg), and to assess 5HT receptor hyposensitivity when given at higher oral doses (i.e. around 0.5 mg/kg).