Arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin response to cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide

This study examined the effects of i.v. administration of cholecystokinin-t etrapeptide (CCK-4) on plasma release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxy tocin (OT) in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and control women, during both the follicular phase and the luteal phase of their mens trual cycle. Plasma AVP and OT concentrations increased following CCK-4 adm inistration. AVP and OT response to CCK-4 was similar for PMDD and control women and unaffected by menstrual cycle phase. AVP and OT may play a role i n the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity associated with the panic response induced by CCK-4. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.