Selective bilateral lesion to caudate nucleus modulates the acute and chronic methylphenidate effects.

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPD) is currently the most prescribed drug therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is used by students as a cognitive enhancer. The caudate nucleus (CN) is a structure within the motive circuit where MPD exerts its effects, it is known to contain high levels of dopaminergic cells and directly influence motor activity. The objective of this study was to understand the role of CN in response to acute and chronic administration of MPD.