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Biological correlates of lactate sensitivity in panic disorder
T A Aronson1, I Carasiti, D McBane
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-81016.
Biological Psychiatry
|September 1, 1989
Summary
This pilot study found that lactate infusions reliably trigger panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. While propranolol had minimal effect, diazepam effectively reduced panic symptoms, suggesting specific neurobiological pathways involved in panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Panic disorder is a debilitating condition with complex neurobiological underpinnings.
- Lactate infusions are known to induce panic-like symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological and biochemical correlates of lactate-induced panic attacks in patients with panic disorder.
- To evaluate the efficacy of propranolol and diazepam in mitigating lactate-induced panic.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study comparing panic disorder patients (n=9) with controls (n=9) undergoing lactate infusion.
- Baseline assessments included anxiety self-ratings, physiological measures (heart rate, respiratory rate), potassium levels, and lymphocyte 3H-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binding.
- Treatment efficacy assessed using intravenous propranolol and diazepam.
Main Results:
- All patients (9/9) experienced lactate-induced panic attacks, while controls (0/9) did not.
- Patients exhibited higher baseline anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, elevated potassium, and lower lymphocyte DHA binding.
- Diazepam was effective in reducing panic, whereas propranolol showed negligible effects.
Conclusions:
- Lactate infusion serves as a reliable model for inducing panic attacks in patients with panic disorder.
- Findings suggest distinct neurobiological mechanisms underlying panic attacks, with diazepam demonstrating therapeutic potential.