Abstract
We describe a technique suitable for routine three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of mouse embryos that is based on episcopic fluorescence images captured during serial sectioning of wax-embedded specimens. We have used this procedure to describe the cardiac phenotype and associated blood vessels of trisomic 16 (Ts16) and Cited2-null mutant mice, as well as the expression pattern of an Myf5 enhancer/beta-galactosidase transgene. The consistency of the images and their precise alignment are ideally suited for 3-D analysis using video animations, virtual resectioning or commercial 3-D reconstruction software packages. Episcopic fluorescence image capturing (EFIC) provides a simple and powerful tool for analyzing embryo and organ morphology in normal and transgenic embryos.
MeSH terms
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Abnormalities, Multiple / genetics
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Analog-Digital Conversion
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Animals
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Aorta / abnormalities*
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Aorta / embryology
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Aorta / ultrastructure
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DNA-Binding Proteins*
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Fetal Heart / abnormalities*
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Fetal Heart / ultrastructure
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Fiber Optic Technology
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Fluorometry / instrumentation
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Fluorometry / methods*
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Genes, Reporter
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Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
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Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
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Lac Operon
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice, Transgenic / embryology*
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Microtomy / instrumentation
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Microtomy / methods*
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Motion Pictures
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Muscle Proteins / genetics
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Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5
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Phenotype*
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Photomicrography / instrumentation
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Photomicrography / methods*
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis
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Repressor Proteins*
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Software
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Staining and Labeling
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Tissue Embedding
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Trans-Activators / deficiency
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Trans-Activators / genetics
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Trisomy
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Vena Cava, Superior / abnormalities*
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Vena Cava, Superior / embryology
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Vena Cava, Superior / ultrastructure
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Waxes
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beta-Galactosidase / analysis
Substances
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Cited2 protein, mouse
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Muscle Proteins
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Myf5 protein, mouse
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Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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Waxes
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beta-Galactosidase