BEHAVIORAL DESPAIR IN MICE - PRIMARY SCREENING-TEST FOR ANTIDEPRESSANTS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 229  (2) , 327-336
Abstract
A depressed state could be induced in mice by forcing them to swim in a narrow cylinder from when they cannot escape. After a brief period of vigorous activity the mice adopted a characteristic immobile posture which was readily identifiable. Immobility was reduced by tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, atypical antidepressants and electroconvulsive shock. Psychostimulants also reduced immobility but in contrast to antidpressants caused marked motor stimulation. Immobility was not affected by minor or major tranquilizers. Apparently the procedure is selectively sensitive to antidepressant treatments. The mouse procedure is more rapid and less costly than that with rats and is thus more suitable for the primary screening of antidepressant drugs.

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