The Forced Swim Test in NZ

The NZ Institutes that have used this test in the past.

Historically, the following institutes have used the Forced Swim Test in NZ:

  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • University of Otago
  • University of Auckland
  • Massey University/Agresearch 
Victoria University of Wellington

We discovered multiple experiments that were conducted by the Victoria University of Wellington in the past that involved the use of the Forced Swim Test

Examples include:

1. Title: Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Mesyl Sal B Attenuates Behavioral Sensitization to Cocaine with Fewer Aversive Side-Effects than Salvinorin A in Rodents.1

Date published: 2018

2. Title: The effect of novel kappa opioid peptide receptor agonists on learning and memory in rats. (A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Biomedical Science).2

Date published: 2017

3. Title: The C-2 derivatives of Salvinorin A, ethoxymethyl ether Sal B and β-tetrahydropyran Sal B, have anti-cocaine properties with minimal side effects.3

Date published: 2017

The University of Otago

We also discovered multiple experiments that were conducted by the University of Otago that involved the use of the Forced Swim Test.

Examples include:

1. Title: Impact of chronic variable stress on neuroendocrine hypothalamus and pituitary in male and female C57BL/6J mice.4

Date published: 2021

2. Title: Leptin and insulin do not exert redundant control of metabolic or emotive function via dopamine neurons.5

Date published: 2018

3. Title: Effects of withdrawal from repeated phencyclidine administration on behavioural function and brain arginine metabolism in rats.6

Date published: 2016

The University of Auckland

In the past, the University of Auckland also used the Forced Swim Test in the study listed below.

Title: A benzodiazepine impairs the neurogenic and behavioural effects of fluoxetine in a rodent model of chronic stress.7

Date published: 2013

Massey University/Agresearch 

In the past, a student at Massey University used the Forced Swim Test in research for their thesis. However, it was the Grasslands Animal Ethics Committee (now AgReseach) that approved the use of animals for this research.8

Update: In December 2023, AgResearch officially banned the use of the Forced Swim Test.

Reminder: These institutes have not used the Forced Swim Test recently.

In fact, thousands of our fierce supporters signed a thank you card sent to all NZ Universities, commending them for exercising their power to steer clear of the Forced Swim Test. Learn more here.

With your help we can end animal experimentation in Aotearoa.