Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity Reduction Leads to Decreased Resilience to Depression and Anxiety in the ASCL-Mouse Model

Abstract

A substantial body of research has been conducted with the objective of elucidating the role of synaptic plasticity in the aetiology of depression and anxiety. Despite the fact that numerous existing tests have demonstrated a correlation between neuroplasticity and depression, the precise role of synaptic plasticity remains unclear. The objective of this experiment is to elucidate the impact of hippocampal synaptic plasticity on resilience to depression and anxiety. The experiment comprises a preliminary test and a series of main experiments. The preliminary tests are conducted to eliminate the potential effects of apoptosis caused by the BAX gene. The main experiments then assess anxiety and cognitive levels by dividing subjects into multiple groups and administering a battery of tests. In a 40-week period, the mice will be modified and will experience major depression as a result of an 8-week UCMS treatment.