A chronic combinatory stress model that activates the HPA axis and avoids habituation in BALB/C mice

► A murine chronic stress model based on two physical stressors is described. ► Plasmatic catecholamines and corticosterone levels are given. ► The model activates the HPA axis and corticosterone is an ideal metabolic stress biomarker. ► The combination of restraint and forced swimming does not provoke habituation. ► The model is useful for the study of chronic stress-related diseases.