Supraorbital Stimulation Does Not Induce an Antidepressant-like Response in Rats

Abstract Background Neuromodulation therapies are currently being investigated as potential treatments for depression. One of these treatments involves the stimulation of supraorbital branches of the trigeminal nerve. Objective To show that supraorbital stimulation is effective in preclinical models. Methods Rats were given supraorbital stimulation at different settings in the forced swim test (FST) and open field. Results Supraorbital stimulation did not induce an antidepressant-like response in rats undergoing the FST. This is in contrast to other neuromodulation treatments, such as deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy, which are all effective in this paradigm. Conclusions Supraorbital stimulation was ineffective in rats undergoing the FST. Such findings do not invalidate results of recent clinical trials.