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The role of the beta-noradrenergic system in cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide-induced panic symptoms
J M Le Mellédo1, J Bradwejn, D Koszycki
1Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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.