Blood oxygen level-dependent signals via fMRI in the mood-regulating circuit using two animal models of depression are reversed by chronic escitalopram treatment

•Both CUMS and MS rat groups demonstrated depression-like behaviours and cognitive impairment, which could be modified by chronic escitalopram treatment.•Increased BOLD activation was observed in some brain regions of MS and CUMS animals, such as the bilateral hypothalamus, limbic system, hippocampus and frontal lobe, which are parts of mood-regulating circuit.•The MS- and CUMS-induced increases in BOLD activation were partially attenuated by chronic escitalopram treatment.