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The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior
Published on: March 2, 2015
Factors influencing behavior in the forced swim test
Olena V Bogdanova1, Shami Kanekar, Kristen E D'Anci
1Brain Institute, University of Utah, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT84108, USA. basilevsis@yahoo.com
Physiology & Behavior
|May 21, 2013
Summary
The forced swim test (FST) is a key rodent model for antidepressant drug screening. This review clarifies factors influencing FST results, aiming for more consistent and reliable data in preclinical research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- The forced swim test (FST) is a widely used rodent behavioral assay for predicting antidepressant drug efficacy.
- Modified FST versions aid in differentiating drug classes (serotonergic vs. noradrenergic).
- Despite its utility, variability in FST results complicates cross-study comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methodological aspects influencing the forced swim test (FST) beyond antidepressant effects.
- To identify and clarify factors that impact animal behavior and FST outcomes.
- To promote more consistent and reproducible results in FST research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on the forced swim test (FST).
- Analysis of factors influencing rodent behavior in the FST.
- Categorization of influencing factors into biological, preconditioning, and experimental design elements.
Main Results:
- Biological factors (strain, age, sex, weight) significantly affect baseline immobility.
- Preconditioning factors (handling, isolation, stress, diet, surgery) introduce variability.
- Experimental factors (drug administration, dosage, environment) also influence FST outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and controlling methodological factors is crucial for enhancing FST reliability.
- Addressing biological and experimental variables can lead to more consistent and interpretable FST data.
- This review provides a framework for optimizing FST protocols in preclinical antidepressant research.
