High-frequency Ultrasonography Based Early Pregnancy Characterization: A Technique to Study Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy Progression in Pregnant Murine Model

Abstract

Source: Peavey, M. C. et al. A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)

In this video, we demonstrate high-frequency ultrasonography to image embryo implantation sites in a pregnant murine model. This imaging technique successfully detects viable pregnancy and characterizes embryo-implantation sites during early murine pregnancy.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board. 1. Imaging the Pregnant Mouse Place mouse supine on the monitoring platform. The mouse continuously receives isoflurane anesthetic (between 1.5–2.5%) and oxygen (1 L/min) via the nose cone. Gently tape all paws to heart rate monitoring pads on the platform. Apply 1–2 mL of ultrasound transmissi…

Representative Results

Figure 1: High-frequency ultrasound detection of implantation site development and monitoring of fetal growth throughout gestation. As shown in Figure 1A, on 5.5 d.p.c. the lighter hyperechoic decidualized endometrium (D) allows the number of implantation sites and spacing to be quantified. As shown in Figure 1B, th…

Materials

VisualSonics Vevo 2100 Ultrasound Imaging Platform/ Machine	VisualSonics, inc.	VS-11945
Vevo Imaging Station	VisualSonics, inc.	SA-11982
Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel	Parker	#SKU PLI 01-08
Isoflurane (IsoThesia) 100mL bottle	Henry Shein	#29404
PuraLubenAnimal Ophthalmic Ointment	Dechra	#12920060