Hydrocortisone suppression of the fear-potentiated startle response and posttraumatic stress disorder

PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY

卷:36

Article

Miller, Mark W.^1,2  McKinney, Ann E.¹  Kanter, Fredrick S.^1,2  Korte, Kristina J.¹  Lovallo, William R.³ 

[1] Natl Ctr PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare Syst, Boston, MA 02130 USA

[2] Boston Univ, Sch Med, Boston, MA 02215 USA

[3] Vet Affairs Med Ctr, Behav Sci Labs, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA

关键词: Hydrocortisone;    Startle;    PTSD;    Cortisol;    Fear-potentiated;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.12.009

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

This study examined the effects of oral administration of 20 mg hydrocortisone on baseline and fear-potentiated startle in 63 male veterans with or without PTSD. The procedure was based on a two-session, within-subject design in which acoustic startle eyeblink responses were recorded during intervals of threat or no threat of electric shock. Results showed that the magnitude of the difference between startle responses recorded during anticipation of imminent shock compared to safe periods was reduced after hydrocortisone administration relative to placebo. This effect did not vary as a function of PTSD group nor were there were any significant group differences in other indices startle amplitude. Findings suggest that the acute elevations in systemic cortisol produced by hydrocortisone administration may have fear-inhibiting effects. This finding may have implications for understanding the role of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA)-axis function in vulnerability and resilience to traumatic stress. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

【 授权许可】

Free