Source Paper
Computational modeling reveals cognitive processes in simple rodent depression tests
Li Z, Lu T, Yan J, Zhang X, Li YF
Cell Rep Methods • 2025
Forced Swim Test
Objective: Forced Swim Test to assess depressive-like behavior and immobility in mice
This is a Forced Swim Test protocol using Mouse as the model organism. The procedure involves 4 procedural steps, 2 equipment items, 2 materials. Extracted from a 2025 paper published in Cell Rep Methods.
Model and subjects
Mouse • C57Bl/6 • Male • 8 weeks old at the start of experiments • Not specified
Study window
~6 minutes hands-on
Core workflow
Setup test environment • Prepare water cylinders • Place mouse in cylinder
Primary readouts
- Immobility time
- Swimming behavior
- Behavioral trajectories
- Movement patterns
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Setup test environment
Perform the test in a well-lit room with water-filled cylinders at appropriate temperature and depth
View evidence from paper
“The FST was performed in a well-lit room”
Prepare water cylinders
Fill cylinders with water at 24-25°C to sufficient depth to prevent limbs from touching bottom
View evidence from paper
“water maintained at 24°C–25°C and at depth sufficient to prevent their limbs from touching the bottom”
Place mouse in cylinder
Individually place each mouse in the water-filled cylinder
View evidence from paper
“Mice were individually placed in water-filled cylinders”
Allow free swimming and record
Allow mouse to swim freely for 6 minutes while recording movements on video
View evidence from paper
“Each mouse was allowed to swim freely for 6 min, and its movements were recorded on video”