Is This a Plausible Mechanism for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Responses?

The results of this study suggest that "electrical or chemical stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter (DPAG) evokes escape, defensive behavior that has been related to panic attacks and that serotonin signaling may influence the panic behavior."

"Considering the triggers, this seems like a very plausible explanation for the mechanism or something similar in multiple chemical sensitivity. This area seems to be influenced by stress signalling and also interacts with certain proteins including the CRH which reacts to environmental cues that leads to changes in neurotransmission. According to one source, "periaqueductal gray matter is responsible for inhibiting nociceptive activity (often leading to pain) though the release of certain proteins. Nociceptive signaling forms a platform for the "central sensitization" in fibromyalgia and other pain conditions and involves the enhancement of impulses and dysfunction in the pain system." For this reason, it very well could be an important component in the responses associated with chemical sensitivity.(Spaeth) As far as fibromyalgia, alterations in serotonin have been noted in past studies.


CiteULike: Dorsal raphe nucleus regulation of a panic-like defensive behavior evoked by chemical stimulation of the rat dorsal periaqueductal gray matter.: "Miguel, T. L. B. L., Pobbe, R. L. H. L., Junior, A. S. S., and Junior, H. Z. Z. (2010). Dorsal raphe nucleus regulation of a panic-like defensive behavior evoked by chemical stimulation of the rat dorsal periaqueductal gray matter. Behavioural brain research."





Sources:
The Neurochemical Response Patterns to Acute Stress. Retrieved on May 13, 2010. http://focus.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/2/3/368/T1
Spaeth, M. (2006). Fibromyalgia syndrome: The role of neurochemicals. Primary Psychiatry, 13(9):72-75.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/7167665

: Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology.

New study suggests differences in panic attacks, panic disorder and post
traumatic stress disorder in smokers and non-smokers.  

CiteULike: Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology.: "Vujanovic, A. A., Marshall, E. C., Gibson, L. E., and Zvolensky, M. J. (2010). Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology. Addictive behaviors, 35(5):419-425."

Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology.

New study shows differences in anxiety from exposure to cigarette smoke.
Implications for differentiation of panic attacks, panic disorder and post
traumatic syndrome.

CiteULike: Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology.: "Vujanovic, A. A., Marshall, E. C., Gibson, L. E., and Zvolensky, M. J. (2010). Cognitive-affective characteristics of smokers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and panic psychopathology. Addictive behaviors, 35(5):419-425."

Hormone Linked to Panic Attacks Also Linked to Endotoxin and Sickness Behavior

CiteULike: Lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced suppression of Fos in hypothalamic orexin neurons: their potential role in sickness behavior.: "Gaykema, R. P. and Goehler, L. E. (2009). Lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced suppression of fos in hypothalamic orexin neurons: their potential role in sickness behavior. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 23(7):926-930."

Runaway vigilance hormone linked to panic attacks. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/6463151