The Porsolt Forced Swim Test (FST), or Porsolt Swim Test (PST), also known as the Behavioral Despair Test, is centered on the way rodents respond to their threat of drowning. This has been correlated to their mood, or, more precisely to their level of depression, with non-depressed animals that swim longer than depressed animals, who, instead, give up and float immobile.
By measuring the immobility time of the animal within a water-filled cylinder, one can test the effect of antidepressants or do gene screening of depression models. In the Ugo Basile device the immobility measure is automatically achieved through video-tracking by position one or more cameras in front of the water cylinders, which are surrounded by a metal case to avoid animals to being able to see each other.
Background
Fully automated, multiple animal detection and combination with Tail Suspension Test
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Classic test, fully validated | Easily accepted for publications |
| Fully automated scoring of immobility | No experimenter bias and variability |
| Cylinder, dividers, software, camera, lenses and tripod can all be ordered | Complete system ready to go with all options |
| Multiple animal assessment | High throughput up to 6 animals at the time |
| Combo version compatible with Tail Suspension | Possibility to run a battery of depression tests |
| Best quality transparent Perspex and “special grey” dividers | Improves video-tracking performance with all animal colors |
| Physical | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Animal |
Mouse |
Rat |
|
Diameter |
19 cm |
29 cm |
|
Height |
40 cm |
60 cm |
|
Water Max Capacity |
11 L |
39,5 L |
|
Warranty | ||
| Warranty | Sociability are covered by a 12-month warranty + 12 after product registration | |
| UB-Care | Additional UB-Care can be added for other 12 or 24 months | |
It is primarily used to assess depressive-like behavior and to screen potential antidepressant drugs, as immobility is interpreted as a sign of despair and swimming as indicators of resilience. While the primary focus is on depression-related behaviors, the FST can also provide insights into anxiety-like behaviors in rodents. Some drugs that reduce immobility in the test may have anxiolytic effects. It's important to note that the FST has been a subject of ethical concerns related to animal welfare, and alternative behavioral tests with potentially less distress to animals are being explored.
| Porsolt Forced Swim Test | |
|---|---|
|
40122 |
Porsolt forced Swim test large Rats. Immobility Videotracking available on request (60000-FST) |
|
40123 |
Porsolt forced Swim test for Mice and small Rats. Immobility Videotracking available on request (60000-FST) |
|
40122-320 |
Divider for Porsolt Forced Swim test for large Rats |
|
40122-321 |
Tail Suspension lid for Porsolt forced swim test for large Rats (need 40122-320) |
|
40123-320 |
Divider for Porsolt Forced Swim test for Mice and small Rats |
|
40123-321 |
Tail Suspension lid for Porsolt forced swim test for Mice and small Rats (need 40123-320) |
|
60000-FST |
ANY-maze for Porsolt and Tail Suspension Test immobility scoring |
|
47400-040 |
BW USB camera with 1.8-12 mm day & night varifocal lens |
Porsolt, R.D., Le Pichon, M., & Jalfre, M., 1977, "Depression: a new animal model sensitive to antidepressant treatments.", Nature
Porsolt, R.D., Bertin, A., & Jalfre, M., 1997, "Behavioral despair in mice: a primary screening test for antidepressants", Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. Ther.
Roger D. et. al., 1978, "Behavioural despair in rats: A new model sensitive to antidepressant treatments", European Journal of pharmacology
In addition to the one-year Regular Warranty and in addition to the one-year product registration extended warranty, Ugo Basile offers an Optional Extended Warranty that extends the warranty period for the product for additional one or two years called “UB Care12”/“UB Care24”. Customers may purchase the “UB Care” at the maximum of 3 months after buying. For more detailed information, please contact your local representatives.
