Tail Suspension

Description: In the tail suspension task (TST) an automated device is used to measure the duration of behavioral immobility. The automated device consists of a box-like enclosure that is open on the front side, allowing viewing of the mouse. A vertical aluminum bar, suspended from the top, is connected to a strain gauge that detects any movements by the mouse. A mouse is suspended by the tail from the strain gauge and the total duration of immobility is calculated as the time the force of the mouse's movements is below a preset threshold. The duration of immobility serves as an index of depression.

Purpose: The TST is designed to assess depressive-like behaviors in mice. The TST has become one of the most widely used models for assessing antidepressant-like activity in mice. The test is based on the fact that animals subjected to the short-term, inescapable stress of being suspended by their tail, will develop an immobile posture.

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Tail Suspension