Measuring the Effects of Circadian Rhythm-Related Manipulations on Depression-Like Behavior in Rodents: Forced Swim and Tail Suspension Tests

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2130:69-78. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0381-9_5.

Abstract

The forced swim and tail suspension tests are commonly used to determine the effects of circadian-related pharmacological, genetic, and environmental manipulations on depression-like behavior in rodents. Both tests involve scoring immobility of rodents in an inescapable condition. Here we describe how to set up and carry out these tests.

Keywords: Antidepressant; Depression; Forced swim test; Immobility; Mice; Rats; Tail suspension test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / physiopathology*
  • Hindlimb Suspension / methods*
  • Hindlimb Suspension / standards
  • Mice
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods*
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / standards
  • Swimming