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Neuropediatrics 2003; 34(2): 77-80
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39602
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Methylphenidate Down-Regulates the Dopamine Receptor and Transporter System in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD)

J. S. H. Vles 1 , F. J. M. Feron 3 , J. G. M. Hendriksen 1 , J. Jolles 5 , M. J. P. G. van Kroonenburgh 4 , W. E. J. Weber 2
  • 1Department of Child Neurology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Neurology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 3The Youth Health Care of the Municipal Health Centre, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 4Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 5Department of Neuropsychology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Received: November 12, 2002

Accepted after Revision: January 27, 2003

Publication Date:
30 May 2003 (online)

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Abstract

Adults suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are known to have disturbed central dopaminergic transmission. With Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) we studied brain dopamine transporter and receptor activity in six boys with ADHD. Three months after initiation of treatment with methylphenidate we found a down-regulation of the post-synaptic dopamine receptor with a maximum of 20 % and a down-regulation of the dopamine transporter with a maximum of 74.7 % in the striatal system. This corresponded to a positive clinical response evaluated by neuropsychological questionnaires and tests. We suggest that dopamine transporter imaging by SPECT might be used to monitor psychostimulant treatment in children suffering from ADHD.

Key words

ADHD - SPECT - methylphenidate

References

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Prof. Dr. J. S. H. Vles

Dept. Child Neurology, University Hospital Maastricht

PO Box 5800

6202 AZ Maastricht

The Netherlands

Email: jvle@sneu.azm.nl