RT Journal
A1 Ströhle A, Romeo E, di Michele F, et al
T1 Induced panic attacks shift γ-aminobutyric acid type a receptor modulatory neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder: Preliminary results
JF Archives of General Psychiatry
JO Archives of General Psychiatry
YR 2003
FD February 1
VO 60
IS 2
SP 161
OP 168
DO 10.1001/archpsyc.60.2.161
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.60.2.161
AB Background 
    Certain metabolites of progesterone such as 3α, 5α-tetrahydroprogesterone(3α,5α-THP; allopregnanolone) and 3α,5β-THP (pregnanolone) are potent, positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Although animal studies suggest anxiolytic properties of these endogenous modulators of central nervous excitability, no clinical data indicate whether they are also involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and panic attacks.Methods 
    We quantified the concentrations of 3α, 5α-THP, 3α,5β-THP, the isomer 3β,5α-THP, and their precursors in the plasma of 10 patients with panic disorder and matched control subjects during panic attacks induced by means of sodium lactate and cholecystokinin tetrapeptide administration, using a highly sensitive gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis.Results 
    Panic attacks induced by sodium lactate and cholecystokinin tetrapeptide in patients with panic disorder were accompanied by pronounced decreases in the concentrations of 3α, 5α-THP and 3α,5β-THP and a concomitant increase in the concentrations of the functional antagonistic isomer 3β,5α-THP, findings that are compatible with a decreased γ-aminobutyric acid–ergic tone. No changes in neuroactive steroid concentrations were observed after placebo administration in patients with panic disorder or after placebo, sodium lactate, or cholecystokinin tetrapeptide administration in controls.Conclusions 
    The association between changes in plasma neuroactive steroid concentrations and experimentally induced panic attacks and the well-documented pharmacological properties of these compounds as γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulators suggest that neuroactive steroids may play a role in the pathophysiology of panic attacks in patients with panic disorder.