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[Relationship between learning behavior and genetic factor on immobility shown during forced swimming test]
1Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku College of Pharmacy, Sendai, Japan.
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Immobility in the forced swimming test (FST) may be a genetic factor, not learning, making it a potential animal model for depression. Drug treatments did not affect immobility duration but impaired learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Pharmacology
Context:
- The forced swimming test (FST) is used to assess behavioral despair in rodents.
- Understanding the factors influencing immobility in the FST is crucial for its validity as a depression model.
Purpose:
- To investigate the roles of learning and genetic factors in mouse immobility during the FST.
- To determine if pharmacological interventions affect FST immobility and learning.
- To explore strain differences in response to stress and FST behavior.
Summary:
- Neither scopolamine nor cyclohexamine altered FST immobility duration, despite impairing learning, suggesting immobility is learning-independent.
- Significant genetic variations in immobility were observed across mouse strains (C3H vs. ICR, ddY, C57BL, BALB).
- Shock stress differentially affected locomotor activity and FST behavior in various strains, with C3H mice showing resilience. Imipramine reversed stress-induced changes in ddY mice.
Impact:
- The FST immobility, potentially influenced by genetic factors and independent of learning, serves as a valid animal model for depression.
- This research provides insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of depression-related behaviors and potential therapeutic targets.