Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Animal models represent a valuable research tool to investigate the molecular pathogenic mechanisms of depression and to develop and test different possible antidepressant drugs. Therefore, several murine models have been established, but the chronic unpredictable mild stress model has robust evidence. Inflammation and oxidative stress pathways have a clear involvement in the complex and intricate pathophysiology of depression, with strong evidence coming from studies using the chronic unpredictable mild stress model. This review provides an overview of the characteristics of the chronic, unpredictable mild stress model of depression and its role in investigating inflammation and oxidative stress pathways in depression.