Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in Panic Disorder

Abstract

Spontaneous, recurring panic attacks are characteristic of Panic Disorder (PD) which are coupled by fear and multiple physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. A panic attack (PA) is a sudden and intense fear reaction triggered by a perceived threat, which may involve external stimuli (such as predators), internal bodily signals (like a racing heart), painful stimuli (such as nociceptive events), or threats from others (like rivals) [1]. The pathophysiology of panic disorder (PD) is not clearly understood despite years of scientific research [2]. Numerous studies involving clinical, provocation, neuroimaging, and psychophysiological studies of PD have
enabled biological, cognitive and behavioral theories to emerge that involve distinct neuroanatomical structures and areas [2-7]. Neuroimaging studies on patients with PD have shown that homeostatic pH disturbances play a key role in panic physiology[8]. The nervous system functions to adapt and produce flexible behavioral responses to a changing environment. The brain’s highly adaptive defensive system reacts to threatening stimuli (e.g., predator, aversive stimulus) by generating rapid autonomic and behavioral response [9]. These behaviors are essential to survival and include securing food, shelter, water, and most importantly,
defending against immediate and perceived threats [9].