Depression Modeling and Drug Efficacy Testing Service

Disease Mechanism

Depression is the most common mood disorder. Animal models of mood disorders are usually evaluated by face validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. Face validity is the similarity of phenomena, which means that the emotional performance of animals in animal models should be similar to the corresponding emotional performance of humans; construct validity means that animal models should be similar to human emotional disorders. Predictive validity mainly refers to the responsiveness of the model to classic drugs that are effective for corresponding mood disorders and can provide a powerful reference for clinical drug screening. Animal models of mood disorders are commonly used in mice, rats, and non-human primates.

Depression Modeling

1) The forced swimming experiment in mice is fast and simple and is one of the models with high reliability, which is widely used in the screening and evaluation of antidepressants.

2) Tail suspension test (TST) is a classic and rapid method for evaluating the efficacy of antidepressants, stimulants, and sedatives. The principle is to use the mouse to try to escape but is unable to escape after hanging its tail, to give up the struggle and enter the unique depression and immobility state. During the experiment, the immobility time of the animal is recorded to reflect the depressive state. Shorten changes its state.

3) According to the monoamine theory of the pathogenesis of depression, antidepressants produce antidepressant effects by increasing the functions of NA and 5-HT in the brain. Various antidepressants can enhance the function of 5-HT by blocking its reuptake. DL-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor of 5-HT, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pagiline can inhibit its metabolism, and a characteristic symptom - head shaking behavior can be observed in mice. Therefore, this model is also called 5-HTP induced head-twitches. The results of this experiment may serve as evidence for the antidepressant effect of the mechanism of inhibiting the uptake of monoamines (mainly 5-HT).

With extensive research experience, Creative Biolabs also helps our clients validate and develop the most cost-effective experimental designs and protocols. Technical support is provided throughout the research process. If you are interested in our service, please feel free to contact us for more details.