PACAP as a New Target for Panic Disorder Therapeutics

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Finding the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) pathway in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBL) as a cause of panic disorders opens up a new, promising way to create effective treatments. Sung Han’s research at the Salk Institute demonstrates that PACAP, when released during a panic attack, activates neurons in the dorsal raphe through its receptors, leading to the panic symptoms experienced by individuals.

This discovery significantly shifts from conventional treatment strategies, proposing PACAP and its receptors as druggable targets. By blocking PACAP signalling, new medicines could stop the flow of neuropeptides that cause panic. This promising avenue of research offers hope for patients, leading to treatments that make them feel better with fewer side effects than current serotonin-based medicines. Also, learning about the specific brain circuits that play a role in panic disorders, like the recently mapped PACAP pathway, makes it possible for more precise and effective treatments that target the neurobiological causes of panic rather than just treating the symptoms.

These articles incorporate the detailed mechanism of how the PACAP pathway operates within the brain’s circuitry, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets for panic disorder. This research represents a significant departure from conventional approaches, marking a new era in managing this condition.

References

Kang, S. J., Kim, J.-H., Kim, D.-I., Roberts, B. Z., & Han, S. (2024). A pontomesencephalic PACAPergic pathway underlying panic-like behavioral and somatic symptoms in mice. Nature Neuroscience, 27(1), 90-101. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01504-3

Dr. Terry McIvor is the founder of the International Guild of Hypnotherapy, NLP and 3 Principles Practitioners and Trainers. (IGH3P)

IGH3P is a professional development body which develops the skills of coaches, Hypnotherapist and NLPers.

He is an educationalist of over 20 years experience and has been accredited as a STEM and Science expert at level 6 and 7 by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) in the U.K.

Dr. Terry is also an NLP trainer, Master Hypnotist, a qualified Hypnotherapist and 3 Principles Coach.

He is trainer for most of the leading hypnosis professional bodies in the U.S including IACT, ICBCH,IMDHA, and the Elman Institute,

Dr. Terry has set up his own accredited STEM school in the U.K. called AISR, it is through his academy he conducts his teaching and research.

Learn more at www.IGH3P.com. You can email him at registrar@ig h3p.com