Peripheral Versus Central Mechanisms Accounting for Antianxiety Effects of Propranolol

Abstract

A β-adrenergic blocking agent, propranolol (60 mg orally in three divided doses over a 12-hr period), significantly reduced basal anxiety scores in 12 healthy, nonanxious subjects as compared to a placebo in another 12 similar subjects. In response to a 10-min stress interview, anxiety scores increased to equal levels, whether subjects were on propranolol or a placebo. On placebo, anxiety scores correlated positively (+0.70) with average plasma FFA. On propranolol, anxiety scores correlated negatively (-0.55) with plasma FFA and the average pulse rate was significantly lowered. The experimental findings suggest that basal or resting anxiety may be maintained by peripheral afferent autonomic biofeedback, and the latter can be reduced by β-adrenergic blocking agents; whereas, the magnitude of acutely aroused anxiety is mediated more through the central nervous system.

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