Source Paper
The Mouse Forced Swim Test
Adem Can, David T. Dao, Michal Arad, Chantelle E. Terrillion, Sean C. Piantadosi et al.
Journal of Visualized Experiments • 2011
View Abstract
The forced swim test is a rodent behavioral test used for evaluation of antidepressant drugs, antidepressant efficacy of new compounds, and experimental manipulations that are aimed at rendering or preventing depressive-like states. Mice are placed in an inescapable transparent tank that is filled with water and their escape related mobility behavior is measured. The forced swim test is straightforward to conduct reliably and it requires minimal specialized equipment. Successful implementation of the forced swim test requires adherence to certain procedural details and minimization of unwarranted stress to the mice. In the protocol description and the accompanying video, we explain how to conduct the mouse version of this test with emphasis on potential pitfalls that may be detrimental to interpretation of results and how to avoid them. Additionally, we explain how the behaviors manifested in the test are assessed.
Mouse Forced Swim Test
Objective: Evaluation of antidepressant drugs, antidepressant efficacy of new compounds, and experimental manipulations aimed at rendering or preventing depressive-like states by measuring escape-related mobility behavior in mice
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Equipment1
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Protocol Steps
Place mice in water-filled transparent tank
Mice are placed in an inescapable transparent tank that is filled with water
Note: The tank is transparent and filled with water. Emphasis should be placed on minimizing unwarranted stress to the mice and adherence to procedural details.
View evidence from paper
“Mice are placed in an inescapable transparent tank that is filled with water and their escape related mobility behavior is measured.”
Measure escape-related mobility behavior
Escape-related mobility behavior is measured during the forced swim test
Note: Behaviors manifested in the test are assessed. Successful implementation requires adherence to certain procedural details and minimization of unwarranted stress.
View evidence from paper
“their escape related mobility behavior is measured. The forced swim test is straightforward to conduct reliably and it requires minimal specialized equipment.”