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Free keywords:
cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4); C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP); panic; anxiety; dissociation; HPA axis
Abstract:
Given the anxiogenic effects of the type-B natriuretic peptide receptor agonist C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in rodents. we investigated the influence of CNP pretreatment upon the behavioral and endocrine action of the panicogen cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy men. In a randomized double-blind balanced design, 20 male volunteers were given an intravenous infusion of 300 mug of CNP vs. placebo followed by 25 mug of CCK-4. The behavior was assessed using panic, anxiety, and dissociation questionaires before the infusion and after the CCK-4 stimulus. Furthermore, the stress- sensitive hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and prolactin were measured. CNP pretreatment enhanced the anxiogenic and prodissociative effects of CCK-4 and significantly augmented the ACTH surge after CCK-4. However, no effect of CNP was seen upon panic symptoms. Our preliminary data support a role of type-B natriuretic peptide receptors in anxiety modulation in normal man. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve
