High resolution ultrasound-guided microinjection for interventional studies of early embryonic and placental development in vivo in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In utero microinjection has proven valuable for exploring the developmental consequences of altering gene expression, and for studying cell lineage or migration during the latter half of embryonic mouse development (from embryonic day 9.5 of gestation (E9.5)). In the current study, we use ultrasound guidance to accurately target microinjections in the conceptus at E6.5-E7.5, which is prior to cardiovascular or placental dependence. This method may be useful for determining the developmental effects of targeted genetic or cellular interventions at critical stages of placentation, gastrulation, axis formation, and neural tube closure.

Results

In 40 MHz ultrasound images at E6.5, the ectoplacental cone region and proamniotic cavity could be visualized. The ectoplacen

SUBMITTER: Slevin JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1436015 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature