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
Tail Suspension Test (TST)
Objective: To assess depressive-like behavior and behavioral despair in mice through immobility measurement during tail suspension
This is a Tail Suspension Test (TST) protocol using Mouse as the model organism. The procedure involves 4 procedural steps, 1 equipment items, 1 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
Remove mice from cages • Secure tail with tape • Suspend mice by tail
Primary readouts
- Immobility time
- Behavioral trajectory
- Movement patterns
Key equipment and reagents
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Protocol Steps
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Remove mice from cages
Gently remove mice from their home cages
View evidence from paper
“mice were gently removed from their cages”
Secure tail with tape
Attach adhesive tape to the tail approximately 1 cm from the tip
View evidence from paper
“their tails were secured with adhesive tape approximately 1 cm from the tip”
Suspend mice by tail
Suspend the mice by their tails at a height of about 30 cm from the ground in an inverted position
View evidence from paper
“mice were then suspended by their tails at a height of about 30 cm from the ground, placing them in an inverted position”
Conduct 6-minute test
Allow the test to run for 6 minutes while recording video throughout the entire duration
View evidence from paper
“The test also lasted for 6 min, and video recordings were taken throughout”