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This research examines how prolonged social isolation affects depressive-like behavior and stress responses in male and female mice.

Prolonged social isolation promotes depressive-like behavior in male and female mice, with sex-related differences in the stress response

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Chronic social isolation induces depressive-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice, indicating sex differences in stress response.

This research examines how prolonged social isolation affects depressive-like behavior and stress responses in male and female mice.
Conducted behavioral tests (forced swim, splash, open field, light/dark box) on male and female mice after seven weeks of isolation.
Analyzed immune profiles using flow cytometry, ELISA, and qRT-PCR techniques.
Used immunofluorescence to assess neuroimmune responses involving astrocytes and microglia.
Both sexes exhibited depressive-like behavior after seven weeks of isolation.
Observed inflammatory signs included elevated neutrophils, decreased IL-10, and increased IL-1β and microglia in the hippocampus.
Sex-dependent differences were noted in body weight and corticosterone levels, indicating unique responses to chronic stress.

Cepeda et al. (2026) studied this question.

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