Protocol describes a method for collecting blastocysts from pregnant female mice at 3.5 to 4.5 days post coitum (dpc). The blastocysts can then be injected with embryonic stem cells to make chimeras. - [Read Collecting Blastocysts Protocol]
Protocol for cytostatic factor extract preparation for spindle assembly. The quality of the eggs is essential for good CSF extracts. Always sacrifice quantity for quality when trying to make functional extracts. Discard any batches of eggs that have "puff balls" or activated eggs that constitute more than 10% of the eggs. Use laid eggs and collect eggs at about 16 to 17 hours after priming with Progesterone (found in Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG)). - [Read Cytostatic Factor (CSF) Extract Preparation for Xenopus Spindle Assembly Protocol]
Isolation of extraembryonic tissues allows one to study normal mouse development as well as the molecular basis of defects which cause fetal death. This protocol describes a method for isolating extraembryonic membranes from pregnant mice. - [Read Isolating Mice Extraembryonic Membranes 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. - [Read Mouse Caesarean Section and Fostering Protocol]
Blastocyst transfer is usually performed 24 hours after aggregation, when the morulae have become expanded blastocysts, and on the same day as injection. A little time is given between injection and transfer to allow the blastocysts to re-expand. Includes: The Mouse Recipient; The Transfer. - [Read Transfer of Injected Blastocysts to Pseudo Pregnant Mice Protocol]