The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice

The main advantage of this technique is that it adequately translates major neurobiological and behavioral features implicated in the pathogenesis, etiology, and treatment of depression. This method can help answer key questions in understanding the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression and promote the development of novel pharmacological treatments. The implication of this technique extend for therapy of depression, because it enables screenings for potential antidepressants while resembling the protracted course of remission evident in human patients.

Begin by filling home cages with fresh sawdust, and add a piece of cotton wool for enrichment. House animals in the home cage for an acclamation period of one week, and keep a consistent 12-hour light/dark cycle. Allow ad libitum access to rodent chow and water.