Forced swimming test

Description
Related Panlab Integrated Solutions

Description

One relatively simplistic and widely used model of depression is the forced-swimming paradigm originally adopted by Porsolt et al. (1978).

One relatively simplistic and widely used model of depression is the forced-swimming paradigm originally adopted by Porsolt et al. (1978). Naïve rats and mice forced to swim in an aversive and confined environment innately fight to escape the apparatus. Following failed attempts to escape, they become immobile (i.e. float), a behavior generally considered as despair, “depressive-like” behavior. Prior treatment with antidepressants decreases the time spent immobile and increases the latency to reach the first immobility episode.

Related Panlab Integrated Solutions


FORCED SWIMMING TEST CYLINDER (Panlab)

  • 76-0471/LE804 (D x H): 10 x 25 cm - only for mice. Ideal for registering immobility vs. activity.  
  • 76-0472/LE803 (D x H): 20 x 50 cm - can be used for rats and mice. Ideal for registering immobility vs. activity in rat and recommended for mice whether you want to evaluate immobility vs. swimming and struggle (escape attempts).
  • 76-0494/LE803L (D x H): 30 x 50 cm - only for rats. Maybe more recommended for rats whether you want to evaluate immobility vs. swimming and struggle (escape attempts).

 


SMART VIDEO TRACKING (Panlab)


FREEZEFRAME (Coulbourn)

  • Freezeframe software

 

Reasons for choosing this test

  • Despair model
  • High predictability for antidepressant effects in humans
  • Based on innate behaviors
  • Sensitive for both rats and mice
  • Widely used in literature
  • Simple to set up and use
  • Short-lasting experiment
  • Can be automatized (measurement subjectivity)

Reasons for not choosing this test

  • Repeated exposition induces habituation
  • Influenced by non-specific changes in motor performances
 
 
 
 
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