Neural Actions of Methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Amphetamine-like stimulants are the most effective pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One of the most widely prescribed amphetamine-like stimulants for this disorder is methylphenidate (Ritalin). The neural actions of amphetamine-like stimulants are highly dependent on dose. Much is known regarding the neural actions of high doses of these drugs, associated with drug abuse and psychosis. Surprisingly, however, little is known regarding the neural actions of substantially lower doses which are associated with clinical use. In collaboration with Dr. Barry Waterhouse (Drexel University), we are beginning to characterize the actions of clinically-relevant doses of methylphenidate on neurochemical and electrophysiological measures of noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.		An additional goal of these studies is to characterize the actions of methylphenidate on cortical and thalamic processing of sensory information. This work in part involves the use of multiple electrode recordings in unanesthetized rat. Recent advances in multi-electrode recording make it possible to record from a number of single neurons located within functionally-organized ascending systems (e.g. somatosensory). This makes it possible to examine the activity of neuronal networks and the actions of methylphenidate on these networks.
Related Publications: Berridge, CW. (2001) Attention- and Arousal-Related Actions of the Locus Coeruleus-Noradrenergic System: Potential Target in the Therapeutic Actions of Amphetamine-Like Stimulants. In: The Neuropharmacology of Psychostimulant Drugs: Implications for ADHD, Solanto, M., Arnsten A.F.T., Castalleno, X. eds. pps. 158-184. back to list of Current Research projects

Department of Psychology
1202 West Johnson Street
University of Wisconsin at Madison
Madison, WI 53706-1696

© 2001 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
Last Revised:
comments