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Modeling panic disorder in rodents

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Abstract

Panic disorder (PD) is a subtype of anxiety disorder in which the core phenomenon is the spontaneous occurrence of panic attacks. Although studies with laboratory animals have been instrumental for the understanding of its neurobiology and treatment, few review articles have focused on the validity of the currently used animal models for studying this psychopathology. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to discuss the strengths and limits of these models in terms of face, construct and predictive validity. Based on the hypothesis that panic attacks are related to defensive responses elicited by proximal threat, most animal models measure the escape responses induced by specific stimuli. Some apply electrical or chemical stimulation to brain regions proposed to modulate fear and panic responses, such as the dorsal periaqueductal grey or the medial hypothalamus. Other models focus on the behavioural consequences caused by the exposure of rodents to ultrasound or natural predators. Finally, the elevated T-maze associates a one-way escape response from an open arm with panic attacks. Despite some limitations, animal models are essential for a better understanding of the neurobiology and pharmacology of PD and for discovering more effective treatments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

    Fabrício A. Moreira, Pedro H. Gobira & Thércia G. Viana

  2. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Maria A. Vicente & Hélio Zangrossi

  3. Research Center on the Neurobiology of Emotion—NuPNE, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Frederico G. Graeff

  4. Institute of Neuroscience and Behaviour—INeC, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil

    Frederico G. Graeff

Authors
  1. Fabrício A. Moreira
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  2. Pedro H. Gobira
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  3. Thércia G. Viana
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  4. Maria A. Vicente
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  5. Hélio Zangrossi
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  6. Frederico G. Graeff
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Correspondence to Frederico G. Graeff.

Additional information

The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from CNPq and FAPEMIG/APQ-01038-11 (F.A.M.), CNPQ and FAPESP (H.Z.J.), CNPQ and FAEPA (F.G.G.).

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Moreira, F.A., Gobira, P.H., Viana, T.G. et al. Modeling panic disorder in rodents. Cell Tissue Res 354, 119–125 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-013-1610-1

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