Animal model and neurobiology of suicide

Animal models are formidable tools to investigate the etiology, the course and the potential treatment of an illness. No convincing animal model of suicide has been produced to date, and despite the intensive study of thousands of animal species naturalists have not identified suicide in nonhuman species in field situations. When modeling suicidal behavior in the animal, the greatest challenge is reproducing the role of will and intention in suicide mechanics. To overcome this limitation, current investigations on animals focus on every single step leading to suicide in humans. The most promising endophenotypes worth investigating in animals are the cortisol social-stress response and the aggression/impulsivity trait, involving the serotonergic system. Astroglia, neurotrophic factors and neurotrophins are implied in suicide, too. The prevention of suicide rests on the identification and treatment of every element increasing the risk.

Graphical AbstractThe complexity of suicidal behavior in humans seriously hampers the development of valid animal models of suicide.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Naturalists have not identified suicide in nonhuman species in field situations.
► Suicidal behavior can be decomposed in single steps.
► A promising endophenotype of suicidal behavior is the aggression/impulsivity trait.
► The stress diathesis model of suicide focuses on the cortisol stress response.
► The astroglia, neurotrophic factors and neurotrophins are implied in suicide.