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Tail Suspension
SKU CS-958391
$1,795.00
IncludesStandard care
Standardized apparatus for tail suspension behavioral despair testing in mice and rats, commonly used for antidepressant screening and depression research.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Tail Suspension fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- 5 selectable configurations
- SKU family
- CS-958391
- Sizing
- Mouse set of one: 47cm W x 43cm D x 54cm H; Station 19cm; Mouse set of four: 55 H x 15 W x 11.5 cm D; Station 19cm; Rat set of one: 60cm W x 60cm D x 75cm H; Station 24cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Anxiety & Depression Tests
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Tail Suspension Test apparatus provides a standardized platform for evaluating behavioral despair and screening antidepressant compounds in rodents. This established behavioral assay measures immobility time when animals are suspended by their tail, serving as a reliable model for depression-like behavior and drug efficacy testing.
Available in mouse and rat configurations with detachable aluminum trays for easy cleaning and maintenance. The apparatus features aluminum suspension bars with species-specific station dimensions optimized for proper positioning during testing protocols.
How It Works
The tail suspension test operates on the principle of behavioral despair, where rodents suspended by their tail initially exhibit escape-oriented behaviors before transitioning to immobility. This behavioral pattern reflects a learned helplessness response analogous to depressive states in humans.
During testing, animals are suspended from the aluminum bar using tape or clips, with their head positioned at the appropriate distance from the apparatus base. Immobility is quantified as the absence of escape-oriented movements, typically measured over a 6-minute testing period. The aluminum construction ensures consistent suspension geometry while the detachable tray facilitates cleaning between subjects.
Antidepressant compounds typically reduce immobility time by restoring escape behaviors, making this assay a validated screening tool for therapeutic efficacy. The standardized station dimensions (19cm for mice, 24cm for rats) ensure consistent testing conditions across experimental sessions.
Features & Benefits
Aluminum construction
Provides durable, corrosion-resistant framework for consistent long-term use in laboratory environments
Detachable aluminum tray
Enables easy cleaning and disinfection between test subjects to maintain hygienic testing conditions
Species-specific station dimensions
Optimizes suspension geometry with 19cm stations for mice and 24cm for rats to ensure proper behavioral responses
Set configuration options
Available as single units or four-unit sets to accommodate different experimental throughput requirements
Standardized suspension bar
Ensures consistent animal positioning and reduces variability between testing sessions and operators
Modular design
Allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and storage while maintaining structural integrity during testing
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse set of one | Mouse set of four | Rat set of one |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 47cm W x 43cm D x 54cm H; Station 19cm | 55 H x 15 W x 11.5 cm D; Station 19cm | 60cm W x 60cm D x 75cm H; Station 24cm |
- Aluminium suspension bar
- Detachable aluminium tray
- Mouse set of one: Station 19cm
- Mouse set of four: Station 19cm
- Rat set of one: Station 24cm
Shipping weight
- 6.06 lb
Shipping box
- L: 65.0 cm
- W: 36.0 cm
- H: 27.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Material | Aluminum suspension bar and detachable tray | Many alternatives use plastic or steel components | Aluminum provides optimal durability while remaining lightweight and corrosion-resistant for long-term laboratory use |
| Species Configurations | Dedicated mouse (19cm) and rat (24cm) station dimensions | Some models use adjustable or universal sizing | Species-specific dimensions ensure consistent behavioral responses and reduce protocol variability |
| Tray Design | Detachable aluminum tray system | Fixed base designs are common in basic models | Removable components enable thorough cleaning and disinfection between subjects |
| Set Options | Available as single units or four-unit sets | Many suppliers offer fixed quantity configurations | Flexible purchasing options accommodate both low-throughput and high-throughput research needs |
This tail suspension apparatus combines aluminum construction with species-optimized dimensions and modular design. The detachable tray system and flexible set configurations provide practical advantages for laboratories conducting behavioral despair research with varying throughput requirements.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | CS-958391 | $1,795.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Blue | CS-958391 | $1,795.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Grey | CS-958391 | $1,795.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| White | CS-958391 | $1,795.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Black | CS-958391 | $1,795.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
Behavioral Pharmacology
Screening potential antidepressant compounds by measuring immobility time in suspended rodents to assess behavioral despair responses.
Neuropsychiatric Research
Investigating depression-like phenotypes in transgenic mouse models and evaluating therapeutic interventions targeting mood disorders.
Drug Discovery
Preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic compounds for antidepressant activity in standardized behavioral assays.
Neuroscience
Studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying behavioral despair and stress-related behaviors in laboratory rodents.
Anxiety and Depression Research
Characterizing depression-like behaviors in animal models to understand mood disorder pathophysiology and treatment responses.
Psychopharmacology
Assessing the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs and their potential therapeutic applications in mood disorder treatment.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify station height measurements before each experimental session to ensure consistent suspension geometry.
Why: Proper positioning is critical for reliable behavioral responses and data reproducibility
Maintenance
Inspect aluminum components monthly for signs of wear or damage that could affect animal safety or data quality.
Why: Regular maintenance prevents equipment-related artifacts and ensures animal welfare standards
Best Practices
Allow animals to acclimate to the testing room for at least 30 minutes before suspension testing.
Why: Environmental acclimation reduces stress-related confounds that can mask antidepressant effects
Troubleshooting
If animals consistently show excessive climbing behavior, check tail tape placement and suspension height alignment.
Why: Improper positioning can lead to atypical behaviors that compromise behavioral despair measurements
Data Quality
Score immobility behaviors in real-time or from video recordings using trained observers to ensure consistent criteria application.
Why: Standardized scoring methods are essential for detecting subtle antidepressant effects and reducing inter-observer variability
Safety
Limit suspension duration to established protocols and monitor animals continuously throughout testing.
Why: Proper timing and supervision prevent animal distress while maintaining experimental validity
Best Practices
Randomize testing order and blind scorers to experimental groups when possible to minimize bias.
Why: Blinded protocols improve data objectivity and strengthen statistical power for detecting treatment effects
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus components and verify aluminum suspension bar and detachable tray are free from damage or defects.
Position Apparatus
Place the tail suspension apparatus on a stable, level surface in a quiet testing environment away from external disturbances.
Install Suspension Bar
Secure the aluminum suspension bar at the appropriate height for your target species using the provided mounting hardware.
Calibrate Station Height
Verify the station dimension matches species requirements (19cm for mice, 24cm for rats) and adjust if necessary.
Test Run Preparation
Clean the aluminum tray and suspension bar with appropriate disinfectant before first use and between test subjects.
Recording Setup
Position video recording equipment or behavioral tracking system to capture animal movement during suspension periods.
Protocol Validation
Conduct practice runs to establish consistent suspension technique and timing protocols before experimental testing.
What’s in the Box
- Aluminum suspension bar
- Detachable aluminum tray
- Mounting hardware (typical)
- User manual with testing protocols (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesSupports standardized animal research reporting requirements for behavioral studies involving laboratory rodents
NIH Guidelines for Care and Use of Laboratory AnimalsFacilitates behavioral testing protocols conducted under institutional animal care and use committee oversight
OECD Test GuidelinesCommonly used in regulatory toxicology studies evaluating behavioral endpoints in safety assessment protocols
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
1.Lucien Stéru et al. (1985) “The tail suspension test: A new method for screening antidepressants in mice” Psychopharmacology doi:10.1007/bf00428203
2.John F. Cryan et al. (2005) “The tail suspension test as a model for assessing antidepressant activity: Review of pharmacological and genetic studies in mice” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2005.03.009
3.Vincent Castagné et al. (2011) “Rodent Models of Depression: Forced Swim and Tail Suspension Behavioral Despair Tests in Rats and Mice” Current Protocols in Neuroscience doi:10.1002/0471142301.ns0810as55
4.Adem Can et al. (2011) “The Tail Suspension Test” Journal of Visualized Experiments doi:10.3791/3769
5.Lucien Stéru et al. (1987) “The automated tail suspension test: A computerized device which differentiates psychotropic drugs” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry doi:10.1016/0278-5846(87)90002-9
Q
What is the Tail Suspension Test?
A
The Tail Suspension Test is a behavioral assay for depression-like behavior in mice. Animals are suspended by the tail and the duration of immobility versus escape-oriented behavior is measured.
Q
How does the Tail Suspension Test work?
A
A mouse is suspended by its tail from an elevated bar. After initial struggling, mice become immobile. The immobility time correlates with depression-like phenotype and is reduced by antidepressant drug pretreatment.
Q
What research applications use the Tail Suspension Test?
A
The Tail Suspension Test complements the Forced Swim Test for antidepressant screening. It is used in genetic studies of depression, serotonin transporter research, and rapid screening of novel antidepressant compounds.
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Score this test with ConductVision
ConductVision is our video-tracking software. Record your sessions on video, and it reports the measures listed below.
What it measures
Tail Suspension Test
- Immobility Time
- Immobility Latency
- Struggle Bouts
- Struggle Intensity
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Tail Suspension
$1,795.00
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