Animal models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2003 Apr;42(1):1-21. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0173(02)00274-6.

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves clinically heterogeneous dysfunctions of sustained attention, with behavioral overactivity and impulsivity, of juvenile onset. Experimental models, in addition to mimicking syndromal features, should resemble the clinical condition in pathophysiology, and predict potential new treatments. One of the most extensively evaluated animal models of ADHD is the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Other models include additional genetic variants (dopamine transporter gene knock-out mouse, coloboma mouse, Naples hyperexcitable rat, acallosal mouse, hyposexual rat, and population-extreme rodents), neonatal lesioning of dopamine neurons with 6-hydroxydopamine, and exposure to other neurotoxins or hippocampal irradiation. None is fully comparable to clinical ADHD. The pathophysiology involved varies, including both deficient and excessive dopaminergic functioning, and probable involvement of other monoamine neurotransmitters. Improved models as well as further testing of their ability to predict treatment responses are required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / genetics
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Genetic Variation
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal
  • Models, Genetic
  • Neurotoxins / toxicity
  • Oxidopamine / toxicity
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred SHR

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Oxidopamine
  • Dopamine