Low striatal T3 is implicated in inattention and memory impairment in an ADHD mouse model overexpressing thyroid hormone-responsive protein

Custodio et al. characterise a mouse model of ADHD in which thyroid hormone-responsive protein is overexpressed. They demonstrate that reduced levels of striatal triiodothyronine (T3) play a role in inattention and memory impairment in this model and that the model could be used in future studies examining the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, potentially with a biological basis; however, its exact cause remains unknown. Thyroid hormone (TH) abnormalities are more prevalent in patients with ADHD than in the general population, indicating a shared pathogenetic mechanism for these conditions. Previously, we identified that overexpression of thyroid hormone-responsive protein (THRSP), a gene highly responsive to TH status, induced inattention in male mice. Herein, we sought to explore whether TH function in THRSP-overexpressing (THRSP OE) mice influences ADHD-like (inattention) behavior. We now confirm that THRSP overexpression in male mice reproduces behavioral features of ADHD, including sustained inattention and memory impairment, accompanied by excessive theta waves that were found normal in both the THRSP-knockout and hetero groups. Physiological characterization revealed low striatal T3 levels in the THRSP OE mice due to reduced striatal T3-specific monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), indicating brain-specific hypothyroidism in this transgenic mouse strain. TH replacement for seven days rescued inattention and memory impairment and the normalization of theta waves. This study further supports the involvement of the upregulated THRSP gene in ADHD pathology and indicates that THRSP OE mice can serve as an animal model for the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that reduced levels of striatal triiodothyronine (T3) due to overexpression of thyroid hormone-responsive protein in mice can lead to inattention and memory impairment, suggesting a potential pathogenetic mechanism for ADHD. The overexpression of thyroid hormone-responsive protein in male mice replicates behavioral features of ADHD, which can serve as an animal model for the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD. Furthermore, TH replacement therapy in these mice rescued the inattention and memory impairment, supporting the involvement of the upregulated thyroid hormone-responsive protein gene in ADHD pathology.