Motor coordination and structural changes of hippocampus tissue in response to eight weeks of aerobic training and Ritalin consumption in hyperactive rats

Abstract

Background: Changes in the structure of the hippocampus play a role in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor coordination and structural changes of the hippocampus tissue in response to an 8-week aerobic training program and Ritalin consumption in hyperactive rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 33 Wistar rats weighing 180-220g were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) healthy control, 2) hyperactivity, 3) hyperactivity-aerobic training, 4) hyperactivity- Ritalin, and 5) hyperactivity-aerobic training-Ritalin and respond positively to the open field test. To induce ADHD in the rats, they were injected 10 mg/kg of L-NAME for 8 weeks (6 days per week) based on the weight of the rats. The drug group received 1 mg oral Ritalin per kg weight of rats daily for 8 weeks. The rats performed aerobic training 30 minutes a day and 7 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: The results showed that aerobic training and Ritalin consumption had no significant effect on weight (P=0.877) but had a significant effect on motor coordination (P=0.001) in hyperactive rats. In rats with the hyperactivity disorder, there was a slight change in the tissue and cellular structure, necrosis and tissue hyperemia as well as piconosis of the hippocampus tissue. Treadmill training along with Ritalin consumption reduced the tissue and cellular damage, necrosis, and also piconosis of the hippocampus tissue. Conclusion: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can cause the structural damage of the hippocampus tissue and treadmill exercises with Ritalin consumption may improve the damage to the hippocampal structure.

Keywords

• Hyperactivity
• Exercise
• Ritalin
• Hippocampus
• Motor skills
• Rats