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Rodent models of depression: reexamining validity without anthropomorphic inference
1Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Psychology Department, and Institute for Behavioral Research, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA. pvholmes@uga.edu
Critical Reviews in Neurobiology
|February 24, 2004
Summary
This review challenges anthropomorphic assumptions in rodent depression models. It proposes a neurobehaviorally mechanistic approach focusing on individual symptoms for better understanding of depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Current rodent models of depression rely on unscientific assumptions about rodent emotions.
- Overemphasis on stress and misinterpretation of behaviors like reduced activity or sucrose preference hinder depression research.
- Traditional validity concepts in animal models require re-evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess existing rodent models for depression research.
- To propose a new framework for modeling depression in rodents.
- To advocate for the removal of anthropomorphic inferences in animal studies.
Main Methods:
- Review and critique of commonly used rodent depression models.
- Evaluation of model validity based on research goals (e.g., drug screening vs. neurobiology).
- Emphasis on face validity and direct resemblance to human depression symptoms.
Main Results:
- Traditional validity concepts are challenged.
- Drug screening models require less stringent validity than neurobiological studies.
- Face validity is crucial for behavioral measures in depression models.
Conclusions:
- A "neurobehaviorally mechanistic" approach is proposed, focusing on discrete neurobiological hypotheses for individual symptoms.
- This approach utilizes operationally defined behavioral variables.
- Understanding the neurobiology of individual symptoms will advance depression research more effectively than modeling the entire disorder.