Mice whose brains lack a specific protein react differently to stress than other mice, possibly offering a clue into the source of human depression, researchers at Washington University said in a study released Monday.

The St. Louis researchers, using genetically engineered mice, found they developed an imbalance in a hormone involved in stress response. During stressful situations, those mice behave as if they are depressed.

Mice studies can helpfully lead researchers to understand more about human behavior, but they’re not directly comparable. It generally takes a decade of additional research before such results can be confirmed and commercialized into a product that can help humans.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 29 Dec 2004
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