Analysis of the meaning of the immobility time in swimming experimental models

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate if the meaning of immobility (helplessness or adaptation) depends on the experimental model (forced swimming test or swimming stress). Immobility time (IT) and glycogen mobilization of rats submitted to swimming session were analyzed in two protocols: swimming stress (SS) and forced swimming test (FST). We also compared the effects of desipramine and diazepam. The experiments were recorded to evaluate the IT. The rats, after swimming session, were sacrificed and hepatic and muscles samples were prepared to the quantification of glycogen. IT was lower in SS than in FST (p=0.001). Hepatic glycogen concentration were different one from another (control>;FST>;SS;p<0.05). The glycogen concentrations at gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were lower at SS compared to FST and control (p<0.05). The IT was recorded and measured from another group treated with desipramine and diazepam. Desipramine decreased the IT in the FST but not in the SS. Diazepam increased the IT in the SS but not in the FST. We conclude that SS and FST induced different physiological and behavioral responses and represent different situations for the animal.