Differential effects of the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine and the benzodiazepine alprazolam on startle response to predictable threat in a NPU-threat task after acute and short-term treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Benzodiazepines have been extensively investigated in experimental settings especially after single administration, which mostly revealed effects on unpredictable threat (U-threat) rather than predictable threat (P-threat). Given the need for pharmacological alternatives with a preferable side-effect profile and to better represent clinical conditions, research should cover also other anxiolytics and longer application times.

Objectives

The present study compared the acute and short-term effects of the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine and the benzodiazepine alprazolam on P-threat and U-threat while controlling for sedation.

Methods

Sixty healthy male volunteers, aged between 18 and 55 years, were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose o

SUBMITTER: Brunner LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9205810 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature