Methylphenidate alters monoaminergic and metabolic pathways in the cerebellum of adolescent rats

Abnormalities in the cerebellar circuitry have been suggested to contribute to some of the symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH) is the major drug for treating this condition. Here, the effects of acute (2.0  mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg) and chronic (2.0 mg/kg, twice daily for 15 days) MPH treatments were investigated in adolescent (35–40 days old) rats on monoaminergic and metabolic markers in the cerebellum. Data acquired indicates that acute MPH treatment (2.0 mg/kg) decreased cerebellar vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) density, while chronic treatment caused an increase.

Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - February 22, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Emmanuel Quansah, Victor Ruiz-Rodado, Martin Grootveld, Tyra S.C. Zetterstr öm Source Type: research