Since cholecystokinin (CCK) is known to be anxiogenic in experimental
animals and to induce panic attacks in humans, lymphocyte CCK-8
concentrations were measured in 15 patients with panic disorder and 15 age-
and sex-matched healthy subjects. The patients' levels were measured again
after a 30-day course of alprazolam therapy, 1.5 mg/day. The CCK-8
concentrations were significantly lower in the patients than in the control
subjects and did not change after alprazolam therapy. There was no
correlation between the peptide values and levels of anxiety or frequency
and severity of panic attacks.Abstract Teaser