oxytocin and Panic-Disorder

This study examined the effects of i.v. administration of cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) on plasma release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and control women, during both the follicular phase and the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Plasma AVP and OT concentrations increased following CCK-4 administration. AVP and OT response to CCK-4 was similar for PMDD and control women and unaffected by menstrual cycle phase. AVP and OT may play a role in the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity associated with the panic response induced by CCK-4.

Topics: Adult; Arginine Vasopressin; Cholecystokinin; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Oxytocin; Panic Disorder; Peptides; Placebos; Premenstrual Syndrome; Radioimmunoassay; Tetragastrin; Time Factors; Vasoconstrictor Agents

The potential association between oxytocin (OXT) plasma levels and clinical and hormonal parameters in panic disorder (PD) especially in its acute phase - has not been investigated as yet. This was the aim of this article.. Twenty-four consecutively-referred, acutely-ill, medication-free PD patients with (PDA,. OXT levels were significantly, negatively associated with the HARS scores (. In acutely-ill, medication-free PD patients, OXT plasma levels may be relevant to the severity of their 'general' anxiety symptoms, but not to the 'specific' panic psychopathology.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Agoraphobia; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Oxytocin; Panic Disorder