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Chronic pretreatment with methylphenidate induces cross-sensitization with amphetamine
Pamela B Yang1, Alan C Swann, Nachum Dafny
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas-Houston Medical School, PO Box 20708, Houston, TX 77225, USA.
Life Sciences
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Long-term use of methylphenidate (MPD) for ADHD may lead to cross-sensitization to amphetamine. This effect was observed in both juvenile and adult rats, suggesting age may not be a determining factor.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Long-term effects of psychostimulant treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not fully understood.
- Concerns exist regarding potential cross-sensitization to other stimulants after early-life exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if chronic methylphenidate (MPD) treatment in juvenile and adult rats induces cross-sensitization to amphetamine.
- To determine if this cross-sensitization is age-dependent.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups receiving saline, amphetamine, or MPD chronically.
- Locomotor activity was assessed after an acute amphetamine challenge.
- Three locomotor indices were measured using an automated activity monitoring system.
Main Results:
- Chronic MPD treatment induced cross-sensitization to amphetamine's locomotor effects.
- This cross-sensitization was evident in horizontal activity and total distance traveled.
- The effect appeared independent of the age at which rats received MPD treatment.
Conclusions:
- Chronic methylphenidate (MPD) administration can lead to cross-sensitization to amphetamine.
- Age does not appear to be a critical factor in the development of MPD-induced cross-sensitization to amphetamine.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of psychostimulant use in ADHD treatment.