Selecting an appropriate stress model of depression in rodents

Figure 1 Behavioral despair model. A: Forced swimming test. In the swim training scenario, the closed glass cylinder provides no escape route for the rat/mouse. Following multiple unsuccessful attempts to break free, the rodent eventually relinquishes the struggle and instead floats on the water’s surface, reflecting a state of desperation; B: Suspension test. The mouse tail suspension test involves hanging a rat upside down by its tail, which creates an abnormal posture. In response, the rat will exhibit struggling behaviors in an attempt to overcome this unfamiliar position. After numerous unsuccessful endeavors, the mice may display intermittent immobility, akin to a state of “behavioral desperation”.