Effects of Cholecystokinin Tetrapeptide on Respiratory Function in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

The authors evaluated respiratory response to cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a CCK-4 (N = 15) or placebo (N = 15) challenge under double-blind conditions. 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. These data indicate that the behavioral effects of CCK-4 are accompanied by changes in respiration in healthy volunteers.