EFFECT OF THE ESTROUS CYCLE ON THE PANICOGENIC RESPONSE TO CO2 IN MICE

Panic Disorder (PD) is a psychological disorder characterized by the occurrence of panic attacks, which are triggered by an abnormal sensitivity of brain chemoreceptors to CO2. The prevalence of PD is twice as high in females compared to males. The hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle in females may play a role in the development of PD, as changes in respiratory function during different phases of the cycle appear to be influenced by levels of circulating progesterone. Consequently, it is possible that sensitivity to CO2 varies throughout the menstrual cycle. However, the impact of the estrous cycle on panic attacks in animal models remains unknown.