Fluoxetine effects on behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in female C57BL/6J mice across the estrous cycle

Taken together, these data are the first to illustrate the effects of fluoxetine on behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis across all four phases of the murine estrous cycle.

Here, we analyze the effects of chronic treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac) on behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis in naturally cycling C57BL/6J females across all four phases of the estrous cycle.

Very few studies have looked at the effects of antidepressants on behavior and neurogenesis across the estrous cycle in naturally cycling female rodents.

In naturally cycling C57BL/6J females, fluoxetine decreases negative valence behaviors associated with anxiety in the elevated plus maze and novelty-suppressed feeding task, reduces immobility time in forced swim test, and increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, the effects of fluoxetine on several negative valence behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis measures were mainly found within the estrus and diestrus phases of the estrous cycle. Conclusions: Taken together, these data are the first to illustrate the effects of fluoxetine on behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis across all four phases of the murine estrous cycle.