Water avoidance stress test (WAST)
We performed water avoidance stress test as previously
described23.The
equipment of water avoidance stress was used to provide an assessment of
stress response. After 7-day drug treatment, each group of mice in
behavioral test were placed on a small platform in the center of
water-filled tank, the level of the water (25 °C) in the tank being 1 cm
below the platform. The stress procedure was carried out in a brightly
lit room. Immediately after submission to WAS, the behavior of mice was
recorded for 10 min to evaluate their behavioral reaction to stress and
recorded. Time being moving, time being immobile and time spent on
grooming on the platform were measured. After exposure to WAST, the mice
were returned to their cage.