A mouse model of depression induced by repeated corticosterone injections

Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Feb 26;581(1-2):113-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.12.005. Epub 2007 Dec 14.

Abstract

A rat model of depression has been recently developed by exogenous corticosterone administration. In this study, we further determined whether corticosterone administration also increased depression-like behavior in mice and explored the brain biochemical consequences of exposure to this administration paradigm. Mice received repeated injections of vehicle and 20 mg/kg of corticosterone for 1, 3 and 5 weeks, and then were subjected to the forced-swim and tail suspension tests. The results showed that repeated corticosterone injections increased immobility behavior in the forced-swim and tail suspension tests in a time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, this injection paradigm produced a time-related effect on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in the hippocampus of mice. These results are consistent with correlations in stress-induced depression models, and suggest that the repeated corticosterone injection paradigm provides a useful and reliable mouse model within which to further study the role of stress and glucocorticoids in depressive illness, as well as screen for antidepressants or preventive drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Corticosterone / administration & dosage*
  • Depression / chemically induced*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Hindlimb Suspension
  • Hippocampus / enzymology
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Swimming
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / analysis
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • Corticosterone