Age-related changes in motor cortex architecture and accompanying their changes in the content of inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolism markers in the primary cortex of SHR rats as a model of ADHD

Abstract

Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose exact pathophysiology has not been fully understood yet. Many studies have proposed impairments of the cellular architecture and neuronal activity of brain structures in ADHD subjects with this condition, as also imbalances in the immune system, oxidative stress, and metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the morphometric analysis of the motor cortex (MC) during brain development in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs) and also to determine the level/activity of selected immune, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers in the PFC of juvenile and mature SHRs vs. WKYs. The results indicate that the most significant MC volume reductions occurred in juvenile SHRs, accompanied by alterations in neuronal density in these brain areas compared to WKYs. In addition, juvenile SHRs displayed elevated levels/activity of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, serine/threonine-protein mammalian target of rapamycin, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, glucocorticoid receptor, malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl groups, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glucose, fructosamine, iron, lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine, and aspartate transaminase. In conclusion, significant changes in the MC morphometry and elevated levels of inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic markers in PFC might be associated with disrupted brain development vs. maturation in ADHD. Subject terms: rat, ADHD, motor cortex abnormalities, SHR, brain maturation, neuron density,