Source Paper
Elucidating the Mechanism of the Liqi Yangyin Formula in Treating Depression–Constipation Comorbidity: An Integrative Approach Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Xu L, Ong SS, Deng X, Qian Y, Tang Z et al.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) • 2026
Forced Swimming Test (FST)
behavioralmouseC57BL/6
Objective: To evaluate depressive-like behavior by measuring immobility time in mice during forced swimming
Materials & Equipment Checklist
5 items
Protocol Steps
1
Setup water cylinder
Prepare transparent cylinder with water at controlled temperature and depth
View evidence from paper
“transparent cylinder (height 25 cm, diameter 10 cm) containing 20 cm of water maintained at 25 ± 1 °C”
2
Place mouse in cylinder
Place each mouse individually in the water-filled cylinder
View evidence from paper
“Each mouse was placed individually in a transparent cylinder”
3
Record behavior
Record mouse behavior for 6 minutes in a quiet room environment
View evidence from paper
“Behavior was recorded for 6 min in a quiet room”
4
Measure immobility time
Measure immobility time during the final 4 minutes of the 6-minute test using a stopwatch
View evidence from paper
“immobility time of each mouse during the final 4 min of swimming was measured using a stopwatch”