# Involvement of posterior hypothalamic CaMKII-positive neurons in ADHD-like behaviors in mice

## TL;DR

This study shows that activating specific neurons in the posterior hypothalamus of mice leads to behaviors similar to ADHD, and clonidine can reduce these behaviors.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel role of posterior hypothalamic CaMKII+ neurons in ADHD-like behaviors in mice.

## Key findings

- Activation of PH CaMKII+ neurons increases locomotor activity and impulsive behavior in mice.
- Clonidine treatment reduces impulsive behaviors in the mouse model.
- These behaviors resemble ADHD symptoms and are not linked to anxiety or avoidance.

## Abstract

This study explores the behavioral effects of modulating CaMKII-positive (CaMKII+) neurons in the posterior hypothalamus (PH). Utilizing a chemogenetic approach in mice, we discovered that the activation of CaMKII + neurons within the PH is associated with heightened locomotor activity, reduced social interaction, and impulsive behavior unrelated to anxiety or avoidance. These observed behaviors share a significant resemblance with characteristics commonly found in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Notably, treatment with clonidine, which is frequently prescribed for ADHD, effectively reduced impulsive behaviors in our mouse model. Our findings uncover the role of the PH that has not been previously explored and suggest a possible involvement of the PH in the manifestation of ADHD-like behaviors.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13041-024-01122-5.