Objective: Previous studies have shown that neuroactive steroids modulate anxiety and stress reactivity. However, no data on the possible role of these gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroids in patients with anxiety disorders are available. Method: The concentrations of 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (3alpha,5alpha-THP), 3alpha,5beta-THP, 3beta,5alpha-THP, and their precursors were studied in the plasma of 10 patients with panic disorder and 10 matched healthy comparison subjects. In addition, the effects of paroxetine treatment on neuroactive Steroid concentrations were studied in the panic disorder patients over a 24-week period. Results: Unexpectedly, patients with panic disorder had significantly greater concentrations of the positive allosteric modulators 3alpha,5alpha-THP and 3alpha,5beta-THP and significantly lower concentrations of 3beta,5alpha-THP (a functional antagonist for GABAA agonistic steroids), which might result in greater GABA(A) receptor-mediated neuronal activity. Paroxetine treatment did not affect neuroactive steroid concentrations, which were highly stable over 24 weeks. Conclusions. Differences in neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder were the opposite of those seen in patients with major depression and may reflect counter-regulative mechanisms against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks.

Strohle, A., Romeo, E., di Michele, F., Pasini, A., Yassouridis, A., Holsboer, F., et al. (2002). GABA(A) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder before and during paroxetine treatment. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 159(1), 145-147.

GABA(A) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder before and during paroxetine treatment

ROMEO, ELENA;PASINI, AUGUSTO;
2002-01-01

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have shown that neuroactive steroids modulate anxiety and stress reactivity. However, no data on the possible role of these gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroids in patients with anxiety disorders are available. Method: The concentrations of 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (3alpha,5alpha-THP), 3alpha,5beta-THP, 3beta,5alpha-THP, and their precursors were studied in the plasma of 10 patients with panic disorder and 10 matched healthy comparison subjects. In addition, the effects of paroxetine treatment on neuroactive Steroid concentrations were studied in the panic disorder patients over a 24-week period. Results: Unexpectedly, patients with panic disorder had significantly greater concentrations of the positive allosteric modulators 3alpha,5alpha-THP and 3alpha,5beta-THP and significantly lower concentrations of 3beta,5alpha-THP (a functional antagonist for GABAA agonistic steroids), which might result in greater GABA(A) receptor-mediated neuronal activity. Paroxetine treatment did not affect neuroactive steroid concentrations, which were highly stable over 24 weeks. Conclusions. Differences in neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder were the opposite of those seen in patients with major depression and may reflect counter-regulative mechanisms against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks.
2002
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Sì, ma tipo non specificato
Settore MED/39 - NEUROPSICHIATRIA INFANTILE
Settore BIO/09 - FISIOLOGIA
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
MAJOR DEPRESSION; FLUOXETINE
Strohle, A., Romeo, E., di Michele, F., Pasini, A., Yassouridis, A., Holsboer, F., et al. (2002). GABA(A) receptor-modulating neuroactive steroid composition in patients with panic disorder before and during paroxetine treatment. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, 159(1), 145-147.
Strohle, A; Romeo, E; di Michele, F; Pasini, A; Yassouridis, A; Holsboer, F; Rupprecht, R
Articolo su rivista
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/49931
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