The automated Tail Suspension Test: a computerized device which differentiates psychotropic drugs

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The behavioral despair test in mice, measuring immobility, is a standard assay for antidepressant efficacy.
• Antidepressant drugs are known to reduce immobility in this test.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a computerized version of the behavioral despair test (ITEMATIC-TST).
• To assess the system's ability to differentiate between various psychotropic agents based on immobility and movement power.

Main Methods:

• Mice were subjected to tail suspension, and immobility duration and movement power were recorded using the ITEMATIC-TST system.
• A range of antidepressants (tricyclic, MAOI, atypical), psychostimulants, neuroleptics, anxiolytics, and cholinergic agents were tested.

Main Results:

• All tested antidepressants reduced immobility duration, and most increased movement power.
• Psychostimulants also reduced immobility, with amphetamine increasing movement power.
• Neuroleptics and anxiolytics showed distinct effects on immobility and movement power, differing from antidepressants.

Conclusions:

• The ITEMATIC-TST system is sensitive to antidepressant effects.
• This automated test provides valuable activity profiles for diverse psychotropic agents, enhancing behavioral analysis.