Modulation of transcallosally mediated motor inhibition in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by medication with methylphenidate (MPH)

Motor hyperactivity is one of the most outstanding symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which might be caused by a disturbed inhibitory motor control. Using focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) we tested the cortico-callosal inhibition (duration and latency of the ipsilateral Silent Period, iSP) in 23 children with ADHD (mean age 11 ± 2.6 years) before and on treatment with methylphenidate (MPH). iSP latency was age correlated, whereas iSP duration as well as Conners scores were age independent. Analyses of mean differences revealed a significant prolongation of iSP duration (p = 0.001), shortening of iSP latency (p = 0.027) and reduction of Conners score (p = 0.001) under medication. Increase of iSP duration and reduction of Conners score under medication were significantly correlated (t = −9.87, p = 0.016). Reduced iSP duration and prolonged iSP latency in ADHD children could be the result of a disturbed transcallosally mediated inhibition, most probable due to a combination of maturation deficits of callosal fiber tracts as well as neuronal synaptical transmission within the neuronal network between ipsilaterally stimulated cortex layer III - the origin of transcallosal motor-cortical fibers - and contralateral layer V, the origin of the pyramidal tract. MPH may indirectly improve the dysbalance between excitatory and inhibitory interneuronal activities of this neuronal network via dopaminergic modulatory effects of the striato-thalamo-cortical loop.