Visualizing the vascular network in the mouse embryo and yolk sac

Abstract

Whole mount immunofluorescence is a valuable technique that can be used to visualize vascular networks in early developing embryonic tissues. This technique involves the permeabilization of fixed mouse embryos and yolk sacs, and primary antibody tagging of the endothelial cell marker platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (Pecam-1). A secondary antibody tagged with a fluorophore targets the primary antibody, fluorescently labeling endothelial cells and revealing vascular networks.