Project Summary

John Wemmie, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of University of Iowa, plans to study in mice the role of a brain channel, called the acid sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1), to respond to carbon dioxide, inhalation of which causes panic attack in a high percentage of patients with panic disorder. Because acid is a principle mediator of CO2 action in the brain, and because the (ASICl) is required for a fundamental neuronal response to acid, Dr. Wemmie hypothesizes that ASICl could mediate the effects of CO2 in the brain and perhaps in panic disorder. To test his hypothesis, Dr. Wemmie will determine whether deleting or overexpressing the ASICl gene in mice influences CO2 avoidance behavior and CO2 stimulation of respiration. Dr. Wemmie will also test whether breathing CO2 augments fear conditioning, and thus parallels the effects of CO2 in patients with panic disorder. Dr. Wemmie will then determine if ASICl plays a role in CO2 augmentation of fear. From these experiments, Dr. Wemmie will learn whether ASICl plays a key molecular role in detecting CO2 in the brain. Results may offer a new approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of panic disorder with ASICl as a potential target for new treatments.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS\Panic Disorder

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