Protocol for optical, aqueous-based clearing of murine tissues using EZ Clear

STAR Protoc. 2024 Jun 21;5(2):103053. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103053. Epub 2024 May 4.

Abstract

Tissue clearing is an essential prerequisite for 3D volumetric imaging of larger tissues or organs. Here, we present a detailed protocol for optical, aqueous-based clearing of adult murine tissues using EZ Clear. We describe steps to ensure successful perfusion and fixation of organs from the adult mouse and supply guidelines for optimal lipid removal, refractive index matching, and tissue clearing. Finally, we provide imaging parameters for visualizing both exogenous perfused fluorescent dyes and endogenous fluorescence reporters in the adult mouse. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hsu et al.1.

Keywords: Developmental biology; Model Organisms; Neuroscience; microscopy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional* / methods
  • Mice
  • Optical Imaging / methods

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes