Schunck T, Mathis A, Erb G, Namer IJ, Hode Y, Demazières A, Luthringer R.
J Psychopharmacol. 2011;25(1):52-59.
01/25/2011
Know-more http://jop.sagepub.com/content/25/1/52.long
Benzodiazepine effects on cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4)-induced
panic attack (PA) in humans are incompletely characterized, in
particular on the neurofunctional level. This work explores the effects
of lorazepam on brain activity and behavioral and physiological symptoms
related to CCK-4-induced PA in healthy volunteers. Twenty-one male
volunteers received 1 mg of lorazepam or placebo orally, 2 hours before
an injection of 0.9% saline solution followed by 50 µg of CCK-4 during
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and heart rate recording.
Panic attacks were defined using the panic symptom scale (PSS). In
addition, the Y1-STAI (state anxiety) and the Bond & Lader Visual
Analogue Scale (VAS) were used. Eleven subjects were classified as
panickers. CCK-4 induced behavioral anxiety and cardiovascular effects
along with cerebral activation in anxiety-related brain regions.
Overall, lorazepam did not significantly modify the anxiogenic and
cardiovascular effects of CCK-4. Regarding CCK-4-induced brain
activation, lorazepam did not reduce activity in the insulae and
cingulate gyrus of panickers. One milligram of lorazepam was not
sufficient to reverse strong panicogenic effects, but decreased brain
activity in the case of mild anxiety.