Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior
Published on: March 2, 2015
Trichostatin A relieves anxiety-and depression-like symptoms in APP/PS1 mice
Qiang Su1, Yu-Hua Ren1, Guo-Wei Liu1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China.
Background:
Cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders such as anxiety and depression are common manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous work demonstrated that Trichostatin A (TSA) could alleviate neuroinflammatory plaques and improve cognitive disorders. AD, anxiety, and depression are all associated with microglial inflammation. However, whether TSA could attenuate anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in APP/PS1 mice through anti-inflammatory signaling is still unclearly.
Methods:
In the present study, all mice were subjected to the open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim tests to assess anxiety- and depression-related behaviors after TSA administration. To understand the possible mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects observed, CST7 was measured in the hippocampus of mice and LPS-treated BV2 microglia.
Results:
The results of this study indicated that TSA administration relieved the behaviors of depression and anxiety in APP/PS1 mice, and decreased CST7 levels in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and LPS-induced BV2 cells.
Conclusion:
Overall, these findings support the idea that TSA might be beneficial for reducing neurobehavioral disorders in AD and this could be due to suppression of CST7-related microglial inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications

