Introduction
Depressionis a common mental disorder that impairs population mental health and features high recurrence and disability rates. Traditional monoaminergic antidepressants are associated with limitations including slow onset of action and modest efficacy. In recent years, depression research has moved beyond neurotransmitter-centric investigations. New mechanisms have been identified, such as neuroimmune inflammation, synaptic plasticity, brain functional circuits, the gut‑brain axis and epigenetics. Meanwhile, novel therapeutic strategies including rapid‑acting antidepressants, non‑invasive neuromodulation and microbiome‑targeted interventions are evolving rapidly, providing new opportunities for treatment‑resistant depression.
Come and take a look
This session provides an in-depth introduction to depression animal models to support the advancement of new drug research and development and guide clinical trials.
About Depression
Depression is a common chronic mental disorder characterized by persistent low mood, decreased interest and anhedonia, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, appetite changes and impaired attention. Self‑harm and suicidal ideation may occur in severe cases. Its pathogenesis is complex and linked to multiple factors including neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, inflammation and genetics. Preclinical animal models serve as essential tools for exploring pathogenic mechanisms and screening antidepressant candidates.Research Progress on Four Main Lines of the Most Widely Studied Antidepressants at Present:
Introduction to Comparison of Depression Models
Single-sentence selection guideline：FST for acute screening, CUMS for chronic mechanism and pharmacodynamic evaluation (the most widely used in drug research), CORT model for HPA axis studies, and genetically modified mouse models for target validation. For formal pharmacodynamic evaluation, it is recommended to adopt at least "one chronic model + one acute behavioral verification + key molecular indicators".
Case Sharing of Depression Models and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation
The KCI・KMQ depression R&D service platform has successfully established CUMS and CORT-induced depression models, which can provide strong support for the research on the pathogenesis of depression, drug development and safety evaluation of clinical medication.
Data Presentation
·Weight Changes
·Sucrose Preference Test
·Forced Swimming Test
·Forced Swimming Test-W5
·Open Field Test
Data Presentation
·Weight Changes
·Sucrose Preference Test
·Tail Suspension Test
·Open Field Test
KCI・KMQ
Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation Platform for Nervous System Diseases
Conclusion
