Abstract
The aim of this review is to compare the
experimental evidence obtained from in vitro
studies on the effect of amphetamine and
methylphenidate on dopamine transmission with
the results obtained in animal models of
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This comparison can extend the knowledge on
the mechanism of action of the drugs used in
the therapy of ADHD and provide insight into
the etiology of ADHD. In particular, we
considered the results obtained from in vitro
methods, such as synaptosomes, cells in culture,
and slices and from in vivo animal models of
ADHD, such as spontaneous hypertensive rats
(SHR) and the Naples high-excitability (NHE)
rat lines. The different experimental approaches
produce consonant results and suggest that in
SHR rats, in contrast to Wistar Kyoto rats
(WKY), amphetamine and depolarization by
high