Effects of Extended-Release Methylphenidate on Dopamine and Norepinephrine Transporters in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Longitudinal Dual-Tracer PET Study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission. Extended-release methylphenidate (MPH), a first-line treatment for ADHD, modulates these systems. However, its specific effects on the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) are inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effects of MPH on DAT and NET binding in adults with ADHD and examined the relationship between transporter binding and cognitive improvement.

Methods

This longitudinal dual-tracer positron emission tomography (PET) study used [¹⁸F]-FEPE2I for DAT imaging and (S,S)-[¹⁸F]- FMeNER-D2 for NET imaging. PET imaging and cognitive assessments were conducted on 21 adults with A

SUBMITTER: Oya M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757760 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature