Animal models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(9):1373-6. doi: 10.1248/bpb.34.1373.

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a clinically heterogenous disorder including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Both psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and atomoxetine, respectively, to modulate catecholeamine neurotransmission are used as current pharmacotherapies for AD/HD. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that genetic factors play major roles in the etiology of AD/HD. meta-Analyses and pooled data analyses have suggested associations between AD/HD and polymorphisms in genes encoding monoamine neurotransmission molecules. There has been considerable research on this disorder using genetic, pharmacological, and neuroimaging approaches, and several animal models of AD/HD such as spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), dopamine transporter (DAT) knockout mice, coloboma mutant mouse, and Grin1 mutant mouse have been reported. These animal models are valuable tools for investigating molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms as well as the neural development and circuit mechanisms of AD/HD. Here, we review the recent literature on animal models of AD/HD and discuss their advantages and limitations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
  • Coloboma / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Rats

Substances

  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins