Mouse Reproductive System Surgery Protocols

Mouse Caesarean Section and Fostering Protocol Protocol describes a method for Caesarean section and fostering. Caesarean section is required if the recipient of an embryo transfer or any pregnant mouse has not given birth by the delivery time normal for the particular strain.

Mouse Castration Protocol Protocol describes castration of male mice, which is used to eliminate testicular hormones and/or to obtain testes for analysis without sacrificing the male. Castration is performed in a similar manner to vasectomy.

Mouse Gonad Removal and Germ Cell Staining Protocol Protocol describes how to remove the gonads, determine the sex ofmouse embryos 13.5 days post coitum and visualize the germ cells, through use of an alkaline phosphatase staining.

Opening the Abdominal Cavity and Locating Female Reproductive Organs Protocol Protocol describes the cervical dislocation method for humane sacrifice of a mouse, as well as a technique for dissecting the female reproductive organs. Local institutional regulations should be followed for this procedure.

Ovariectomy for Induction of Blastocyst Implantation Delay Protocol Protocol describes a method for removal of mouse ovaries in combination with the administration of progesterone, which causes the arrest of blastocyst development. This procedure is performed during the afternoon of the third day of pregnancy to ensure that the morulae have moved sufficiently into the oviducts and will be less likely to be damaged during the ovariectomy.

Oviduct Transfer Protocol Protocol describes oviduct transfer of mouse embryos. It is based on the Whittingham method, which applied a well described procedure for the rat to the mouse. It is best to practice this procedure first on a cadaver and then on an anesthetized 0.5-dpc pseudopregnant mouse using a dye solution or blue Affigel beads rather than embryos to gain experience in finding the opening of the oviduct (infundibulum).

Uterine Transfer Protocol Protocol describes a procedure for uterine transfer, which is used for chimera production. The method is based on extensive work which resulted in the first successful development and birth of in-vitro-cultured mouse embryos. It is best to practice this procedure first on a cadaver and then on an anesthetized 2.5-days post coitum (dpc) pseudopregnant mouse using blue Affigel beads rather than embryos.

Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Males: Access via Abdominal Wall Protocol Protocol describes a method for vasectomy in which the vas deferens is accessed through the abdominal wall. Mice are ready for mating after ~10-14 days. Vasectomized males can be bred with fertile females to obtain plugs for timed matings. The pseudopregnant females can then be used for oviduct and uterine transfers. For an alternative protocol, see Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Males: Access via Scrotal Sac.

Vasectomy for Generation of Sterile Mouse Males: Access via Scrotal Sac Protocols Protocol describes a method for vasectomy in which the vas deferens is accessed through the scrotal sac. Mice are ready for mating after ~10-14 days. Vasectomized males can be bred with fertile females to obtain plugs for timed matings. The pseudopregnant females can then be used for oviduct and uterine transfers.