Are behavioural and inflammatory profiles different according to type of stressor, developmental stage, and sex in rodent models of depression? A systematic review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The onset and persistence of major depressive disorder (MDD) are influenced by various stressors, but the specific impact of different stress types, developmental stages, and sex on behavioural and inflammatory profiles remains unclear. GOAL AND METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-adhering comprehensive review to systematically examine rodent models of depression and determine how physical, psychological, and physiological stressors - at different developmental stages and across sexes - affect depressive-like behaviours and inflammatory responses. RESULTS: Utilizing data from Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus from March 1966 to July 2024, our systematic review of 4886 studies indicate that distinct stressors elicit unique cytokine profiles and behavioural outcomes, with significant variability observed across different developmental stages and between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological inconsistencies and varying quality of reporting identified by this systematic review highlight the necessity for a consensus for standardized protocols in preclinical studies. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing more effective and personalized strategies for the prevention and treatment of MDD.