Selective estrogen receptor-beta (SERM-beta) compounds modulate raphe nuclei tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) mRNA expression and cause antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test

► SERM-beta1 and 2 are selective, non-proliferative, brain penetrant ERβ modulators. ► SERM-beta compounds modulated the levels of TPH1 mRNA and PR protein in raphe nuclei. ► SERM-beta compounds promoted neurogenesis and showed antidepressant activity in vivo.