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Genetic differences in a tail suspension test for evaluating antidepressant activity.
R Trullas1, B Jackson, P Skolnick
1Laboratory of Neuroscience, NIDDK, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
The tail suspension test reveals significant genetic differences in mouse immobility, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tail suspension test in rodents is a model for depression.
- Antidepressants specifically antagonize immobility in this test.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate genetic control of tail suspension immobility.
- Identify mouse strains for depression research.
Main Methods:
- Assessed tail suspension-induced immobility in nine inbred mouse strains.
- Measured open field activity for comparison.
Main Results:
- Significant strain-dependent differences in immobility (1-96 seconds).
- Mouse strains grouped into four distinct immobility categories.
- Open field activity was not correlated with immobility.
Conclusions:
- Tail suspension test performance is under specific genetic control.
- This model can aid research into depression and antidepressant mechanisms.