Alterations in Striatal Architecture and Biochemical Markers’ Levels During Postnatal Development in the Rat Model of an Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental condition. The precise underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. A body of research suggests disruptions in both the cellular architecture and neuronal function within the brain regions of individuals with ADHD, coupled with disturbances in the biochemical parameters. This study seeks to evaluate the morphological characteristics with a volume measurement of the striatal regions and a neuron density assessment within the studied areas across different developmental stages in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs). Furthermore, the investigation aims to scrutinize the levels and activities of specific markers related to immune function, oxidative stress, and metabolism within the striatum of juvenile and maturing SHRs compared to WKYs. The findings reveal that the most pronounced reductions in striatal volume occur during the juvenile stage in SHRs, alongside alterations in neuronal density within these brain regions compared to WKYs. Additionally, SHRs exhibit heightened levels and activities of various markers, including RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT-1), glucocorticoid receptor (GCsRβ), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl groups (-SH), glucose (G), iron (Fe), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST). In summary, notable changes in striatal morphology and elevated levels of inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic markers within the striatum may be linked to the disrupted brain development and maturation observed in ADHD.