Investigating how psychological stress affects young male and female mice

Psychological stress susceptibility in juvenile female and male mice

NIH-funded research University of Texas El Paso · NIH-10874565

This study looks at how stress affects young male and female mice and how it might lead to feelings similar to depression, helping us understand the differences in how boys and girls handle stress during their growing years.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas El Paso NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (El Paso, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874565 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of psychological stress on juvenile male and female mice, focusing on how these experiences may lead to symptoms similar to major depressive disorder (MDD). The study utilizes a unique method where a mouse observes another mouse being defeated, which mimics stress-related behaviors. By including both genders and younger mice, the research aims to uncover the neurobiological factors contributing to mood disorders during critical developmental stages. The findings could provide insights into the differences in how stress affects males and females, particularly during adolescence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be adolescents experiencing mood-related issues or those at risk for developing such conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those without mood-related disorders may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for mood disorders in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using similar animal models to study mood disorders, although this specific approach focusing on juvenile populations is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

El Paso, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.