Morphological Mouse Phenotyping: Anatomy, Histology and Imaging is an atlas of explanatory diagrams and text that guides the reader through normal mouse anatomy, histology, and imaging. The book is targeted for mouse researchers and veterinarian and human pathologists, and presents a complete, integrative description of normal mouse morphology. Disease animal models are fundamental in research to improve human health. The success of using genetically engineered mice to evaluate molecular disease hypotheses has encouraged the development of massive global projects, making the mouse the most used animal disease model. Laboratory mouse populations are straining the housing capacity of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as public research institutions. However, the scientific community lacks sufficient expertise in morphological phenotyping to effectively characterize and validate these animal models. The mouse displays fundamental morphological similarities to humans; however, a mouse is not a man. Features more than 2,200 original images showing the anatomy, histology, and cellular structure of mouse organs Includes images specifically produced for this book in the Mouse Imaging Platform (Center for Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Offers an integrative vision of mouse morphology using correlative X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound images Employs classical anatomical techniques such as conventional dissection, skeletal preparations, vascular injections, and histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy techniques to characterize mouse morphology

Disease animal models are fundamental in research to improve human health. The success of using genetically engineered mice to evaluate molecular disease hypothesis has encouraged the development of massive global projects making the mouse the most used animal disease model. Laboratory mouse populations are straining the housing capacity of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as public research institutions. However, the scientific community lacks sufficient expertise in morphological phenotyping to effectively characterize and validate these animal models. The mouse displays fundamental morphological similarities to humans. However, a mouse is not a man. Here we present a complete and integrative description of mouse normal morphology. This book, basically an atlas, but also containing explanatory diagrams and text, guides the reader through normal mouse anatomy, histology and imaging, and is aimed for mouse researchers as well as veterinarian and human pathologists. More than 2,200 original images showing the anatomy, histology and cellular structure of mouse organs have been specifically produced for this book in the Mouse Imaging Platform (Center for Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) In addition, correlative X-ray, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound images complete this integrative vision of the mouse morphology Classical anatomical techniques such as conventional dissection, skeletal preparations, vascular injections, as well as histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques have been employed to characterize the mouse morphology "

The aim of this volume is to provide a wide range of techniques and aspects of mouse retinal phenotyping and characterization. Chapters guide readers through morphological and functional properties of the mouse retina and techniques for the analysis of outer to mid-retina and mid- to inner retina. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mouse Retinal Phenotyping: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

1. Introduction -- 2. Phenotyping -- 3. Necropsy and histology -- 4. Mammary Gland -- 5. Skeletal System -- 6. Nose, sinus, pharynx and larynx -- 7. Oral cavity and teeth -- 8. Salivary glands -- 9. Respiratory -- 10. Cardiovascular -- 11. Upper GI -- 12. Lower GI -- 13. Liver and gallbladder -- 14. Pancreas -- 15. Endocrine System -- 16. Urinary System -- 17. Female Reproductive System -- 18. Male Reproductive System -- 19. Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues -- 20. Nervous System -- 21. Special senses, eye -- 22. Special senses, ear -- 23. Skin and adnexa -- Index.

With the completion of the human genome sequence in 2003, efforts have shifted towards elucidating gene function. Such phenotypic investigations are aided by advances in techniques for genetic modification of mice, with whom we share ~99% of genes. Mice are key models for both examination of basic gene function and translational study of human conditions. Furthering these efforts, ambitious programmes are underway to produce knockout mice for the ~25,000 mouse genes. In the coming years, methods to rapidly phenotype mouse morphology will be in great demand. This thesis demonstrates the development of non-invasive microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (\muMRI) methods for high-resolution ex-vivo phenotyping of mouse embryo and mouse brain morphology. It then goes on to show the application of computational atlasing techniques to these datasets, enabling automated analysis of phenotype. First, the issue of image quality in high-throughput embryo MRI was addressed. After investigating preparation and imaging parameters, substantial gains in signal- and contrast-to-noise were achieved. This protocol was applied to a study of Chd7+/- mice (a model of CHARGE syndrome), identifying cardiac defects. Combining this protocol with automated segmentation-propagation techniques, phenotypic differences were shown between three groups of mice in a volumetric analysis involving a number of organ systems. Focussing on the mouse brain, the optimal preparation and imaging parameters to maximise image quality and structural contrast were investigated, producing a high-resolution in-skull imaging protocol. Enhanced delineation of hippocampal and cerebellar structures was observed, correlating well to detailed histological comparisons. Subsequently this protocol was applied to a phenotypic investigation of the Tc1 model of Down syndrome. Using both visual inspection and automated, tensor based morphometry, novel phenotypic findings were identified in brain and inner ear structures. It is hoped that a combination of \muMRI with computational analysis techniques, as presented in this work, may help ease the burden of current phenotyping efforts.