Predator-elicited flight responses in Swiss-Webster mice: an experimental model of panic attacks

1. The nosological status of panic disorder is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, evidence is emerging that panic attacks have a different pattern of drug responsiveness from other forms of anxiety. 2. Several experimental animal models of panic attacks have been developed. These vary in the extent to which they meet criteria for face validity, predictive validity and construct validity, normally applied to such models. 3. In the present review, the authors examine the possibility that predator-elicited flight responses in Swiss-Webster mice might serve as an experimental model for the screening of panic-modulating drugs. 4. Drug effects on flight responses clearly indicate that this model has good predictive validity as panic-promoting agents increase flight reactions, while panicolytic drug challenge induces opposite effects. In addition, drugs devoid of any effect on panic attack, also do not alter flight behavior. 5. These findings strongly suggest that the model of predator-elicited flight responses in Swiss-Webster mice is useful for the investigation of panic-modulating drugs.