This video describes the detailed protocol for isolating melanoma-containing murine dorsal skin, followed by cryo-embedding to prepare a frozen skin tissue block. The cryo-embedded tissue block can be sectioned and microscopically examined to study melanoma progression.
Protocol
All procedures involving animals have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board. 1. Tissue Processing Skin isolation Obtain the following prior to starting: necropsy instruments, filter paper, and paper towels. Euthanize the mice according to approved protocols, and confirm death prior to proceeding. Using a hair clipper, shave any hair from the dorsal skin …
Representative Results
Figure 1: Skin tissue isolation and cryo-embedding. Following euthanasia, shave the mouse dorsal skin region of interest and embed skin in cryomold containing OCT. The dotted line on the mouse represents the midline. Typically, 3 or 4 pieces of skin can be isolated with line segment 3-4 along the midline; one such piece is indicated by a rectangle 1/2/3/4. These skin pieces should be embedded in …