Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1989-3-7
pubmed:abstractText
The possibility that a disorder of brain alpha 2-adrenoceptor sensitivity might contribute to the etiology of panic disorder was examined using a challenge paradigm with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. The cardiovascular, psychological, and endocrine actions of 1.5-microgram/kg clonidine hydrochloride given intravenously were assessed in 16 patients and compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with panic disorder showed an increased fall in blood pressure and decreased sedative and endocrine responses as compared with controls. These results suggest that there may be subsensitivity of some, and supersensitivity of other, brain alpha 2-adrenoceptors in panic disorder. In view of the increased cardiovascular responses seen in the present study and other reports of increased responses to the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, there may exist an increased lability (decreased damping) of cardiovascular control mechanisms in panic disorder. Such a dysfunction could contribute to the symptoms of panic attacks, such as dizziness, palpitations, and faintness.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
0003-990X
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
46
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
165-9
pubmed:dateRevised
2009-9-29
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1989
pubmed:articleTitle
Altered central alpha 2-adrenoceptor sensitivity in panic disorder.
pubmed:affiliation
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, England.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't