High-frequency ultrasound database profiling growth, development, and cardiovascular function in C57BL/6J mouse fetuses.

摘要

BACKGROUND: High-frequency ultrasound is effective for noninvasive phenotypic analysis of cardiovascular development and function in mutagenized fetal mice. However, lacking is a normative database of echocardiographic variables for monitoring growth and cardiovascular function. METHODS: C57BL/6J fetal mice were scanned in utero using an ultrasound system with a 15-MHz linear phased-array transducer. Pregnant mothers were anesthetized with 1% isoflurane mixed with 100% oxygen. Quantitative variables for monitoring fetal growth and cardiac function were obtained in several imaging planes and modalities. RESULTS: Fetal growth measurements increased linearly. Inflow velocities showed significant A-wave dominance. The E wave progressively increased during development. Cardiac function was best assessed through M-mode analysis, but short-axis images were difficult to obtain. Spectral Doppler was readily obtained and the myocardial performance index was calculated. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide an essential foundation for the evaluation of cardiovascular defects in mutagenized and transgenic mice.