Long‐term stability and characteristics of behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers of three different rodent models for depression

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to explore the long‐term differences between three mouse models for depression. METHOD: In the present study, the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model, the glucocorticoid/corticosterone model, and the olfactory bulbectomy model were compared at two, three, and five weeks after model induction. Behavioral testing performed included forced‐swimming, tail suspension, open‐field and elevated plus‐maze tests. In addition, 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine levels, and mRNA and protein expressions related to 5‐HT synthesis, transport, and signaling were analyzed in the hippocampus of tested animals. RESULTS: Our results revealed that each model demonstrated a specific profile of markers, whereas the stability of them differed over testing time. CONCLUSIONS: Each model provided a unique set of advantages that can be considered depending on the context and aims of each study. Among the three models, the UCMS model was mostly stable and appeared to the best model for testing long‐term depression‐like state.