Towards translational rodent models of depression

Cell Tissue Res. 2013 Oct;354(1):141-53. doi: 10.1007/s00441-013-1587-9. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Abstract

Rodent models of depression have been developed in an effort to identify novel antidepressant compounds and to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of depression. Various rodent models of depression and antidepressant-like behaviour are currently used but, clearly, none of these current models fully recapitulate all features of depression. Moreover, these models have not resulted in the development of novel non-monoaminergic-based antidepressants with clinical efficacy. Thus, a refinement of the current models of depression is required. The present review outlines the most commonly used models of depression and antidepressant drug-like activity and suggests several factors that should be considered when refining these models.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / physiopathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Rodentia
  • Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents