Methylphenidate Modifies the Motion of the Circadian Clock

Jul 6, 2012Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology

Methylphenidate changes how the body’s internal daily clock moves

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Abstract

Methylphenidate significantly increased activity in the mid-to-late night in young male mice.

  • The drug led to a delay in the onset of activity and sleep relative to the light-dark cycle.
  • After treatment ended, locomotor levels returned to baseline, but the phase angle of entrainment took at least a week to normalize.
  • In constant darkness, methylphenidate lengthened the free-running period of both wheel-running and general locomotor rhythms.
  • Post-treatment, the free-running period either remained stable or only partially reverted to baseline levels.
  • Methylphenidate altered the electrical firing rate rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, causing a delay in the rhythm's trough and increased amplitude.

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Full Text

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