[Neuropsychopharmacological effects of methylphenidate]
Kazutaka Ikeda1, Yukio Takamatsu, Yoko Hagino
1Division of Psychobiology, Tokyo Institute of Psychiatry, 2-1-8 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8585 Japan. ikedak@prit.go.jp
Abstract:
Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Considering that MPH has stimulating and awakening actions, the mechanisms underlying the MPH effect on narcolepsy are easy to understand. On the other hand, the mechanisms underlying effects of MPH on AD/HD are largely unknown. While MPH induces hyperactivity in healthy humans, MPH reduces hyperactivity in AD/HD patients. The main target molecules of MPH are dopamine transporter and norepinephrine transporter. Interestingly, mice lacking dopamine transporter show AD/HD-like behaviors and MPH reactions like those in AD/HD patients. Analyses of mice lacking dopamine transporter may lead to a better understanding of the neuropsychological MPH effects.
More Related Videos
07:02A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
Published on: February 11, 2019
09:16A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
