Effects of Cholecystokinin Tetrapeptide on Respiratory Function in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated respiratory response to cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy volunteers. METHOD: Subjects were randomly assigned to either a CCK-4 (N=15) or placebo (N=15) challenge under double-blind conditions. RESULTS: Dyspnea was reported by all of the subjects who received CCK-4 but only one subject who received placebo. CCK-4 caused a significant increase in tidal volume and minute ventilation but had no effect on breathing frequency. Placebo had no effect on any of the respiratory measures. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the behavioral effects of CCK-4 are accompanied by changes in respiration in healthy volunteers. (Am J Psychiatry 1998; 155:280–282)