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Updated: Oct 28, 2026
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Low-frequency passive mechanical stimulation produces antidepressant-like effects in rats involving gut-brain axis
Rong Gao1,2, Wenjing Pu1,2, Yifei Lv1,2
1School of Basic Medicine, Gansu Medical College, Pingliang, China.
Introduction:
Depression is associated with dysregulation of neuroendocrine, immune, and gut -brain axis pathways. Exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention; however, poor motivation and fatigue limit adherence in patients with depression.
Methods:
We investigated a novel passive exercise modality, low-frequency passive vertical oscillation assisted by elastic ropes (LF-PVO-ER), in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model.
Results:
LF-PVO-ER significantly improved depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia and behavioral despair. Alongside these behavioral improvements, increases were observed in serum serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), along with reductions in serum corticosterone, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Histological analysis revealed attenuation of hippocampal and colonic injury. 16S rRNA sequencing showed partial restoration of CUMS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, as reflected by increased diversity and enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-associated genera. Untargeted metabolomics revealed changes in amino acid, lipid, and bile acid metabolism. Integrated analyses indicated coordinated associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and neuroimmune markers.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that LF-PVO-ER may exert antidepressant-like effects through multiple pathways involving neuroendocrine function, inflammatory responses, and gut microbiota -metabolite interactions, supporting its potential as a passive exercise strategy for depression intervention.
