Conclusions
Significant elevations of serum and/or tissue contents of cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress markers as well as volumetric and neurochemical alterations in the mPFC of juvenile SHRs may suggest the cooperation of neurological and immune systems in the ADHD pathogenesis. Elevated levels of steroid hormones in maturating SHRs may be a compensatory effect involved in reducing inflammation and ADHD symptoms.
Methods
Peripheral blood, spleen and adrenal gland samples, as well as brain sections collected on day 35 (juvenile) and day 70 (maturating) from SHRs and WKYs, were processed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively.
Results
The results show significant increases of serum and/or tissue concentrations of cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress markers in juvenile SHRs when compared to the age-matched WKYs. These increases were accompanied by a lowered volume of the mPFC and up-regulation of D2 in this brain region. In maturating SHRs, the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were normalised and accompanied by elevated contents of steroid hormones. Conclusions: Significant elevations of serum and/or tissue contents of cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress markers as well as volumetric and neurochemical alterations in the mPFC of juvenile SHRs may suggest the cooperation of neurological and immune systems in the ADHD pathogenesis. Elevated levels of steroid hormones in maturating SHRs may be a compensatory effect involved in reducing inflammation and ADHD symptoms.