Effects of atomoxetine, desipramine, d-amphetamine and methylphenidate on impulsivity in juvenile rats, measured in a T-maze procedure.
Impulsivity is a core symptom of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the present study, we assessed the effects of two stimulants, methylphenidate and d-amphetamine and of two non stimulant noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, atomoxetine and desipramine, on the tolerance to delay of reward, taken as an index of impulsivity, in juvenile Wistar rats. Animals were trained in a T-maze to choose between a small-and-immediate reward and a large-but-30s-delayed reward. The effects of drugs were studied on the performance of animals at 30-40 day of age. Methylphenidate (3mg/kg), atomoxetine (1mg/kg), d-amphetamine (1 and 2mg/kg) and desipramine (8 and 16mg/kg) increased the number of choices of the large-but-delayed reward, i.e. decreased impulsivity. Given that these drugs are commonly prescribed in ADHD, these data indicate that the T-maze procedure in juvenile animals may be suitable for testing the therapeutic potential of drugs intended to the treatment of ADHD in children.
Key-Obs SAS, 3 allée du Titane, F-45100 Orléans, France. jeancharles.bizot@key-obs.com
Jean-Charles
JC
Bizot
Sabrina
S
David
Fabrice
F
Trovero
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003891:Desipramine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology; D011437:Propylamines / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D003891:Desipramine; D003913:Dextroamphetamine