Source Paper
Association between depression during pregnancy and preterm birth: Results from population cohorts and mouse experimental models
Chen S, Yan G, Xie X, Wang Q, Zhong J et al.
PLoS One • 2026
Tail Suspension Test
behavioralMouseC57BL/6
Objective: Screening antidepressants and behavioral evaluation in animal models to assess depressive-like behavior
Protocol Steps
1
Set up partition system
Position homemade partition 50 cm from ground with one open side for observation and closed sides to prevent external interference
View evidence from paper
“With a homemade partition 50 cm from the ground, one side is open, the mouse is easy to observe”
2
Attach mouse to crossbar
Glue the mouse tail to the crossbar placed on the partition
View evidence from paper
“the mouse tail is glued to the crossbar placed on the partition beforehand”
3
Initial acclimatization period
Allow mice to acclimatize to the environment for the first 2 minutes
View evidence from paper
“The mice were allowed to acclimatize to the environment for the first 2 min”
4
Record immobility time
Record the immobility time for the last 4 minutes of the 6-minute test
View evidence from paper
“the immobility time was recorded for the last 4 min”
5
Maintain quiet environment
Keep the laboratory environment quiet during the experiment
View evidence from paper
“The laboratory environment was kept quiet during the experiment”