Prenatal Mouse Embryos Retrieval: A Procedure to Harvest Embryos from Pregnant Mouse

Abstract

Source: Yun, K. Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)

This video demonstrates the retrieval of embryos from a pregnant mouse. The recovered perinatal embryos can be used as model systems for studying mammalian development.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Dissection of Prenatal Embryos

1. Clean dissecting scissors and forceps with 70% ethanol.
2. To collect perinatal embryos at E18.5 or E19.5, euthanize pregnant mice first using CO₂ inhalation and then perform cervical dislocation according to ethical guidelines.
   NOTE: The pregnant female mouse usually gives birth starting at E18.5, however, larger kidneys are easier to manipulate. Therefore, kidneys at E19.5 closer to birth....

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Delicate Operating Scissors	Roboz Surgical Instrument Co.	RS-6702
Micro Dissecting Forceps	Roboz Surgical Instrument Co.	RS-5135
Dumont Tweezers; Pattern #5	Roboz Surgical Instrument Co.	RS-5045
Quality Biological Inc. NORMAL SALINE - 500ML	Fisherscientific	50-983-204