A method for analysing sister-chromatid exchange in mouse preimplantation embryos.
Analysis of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) has been shown to be a sensitive and reproducible method for detecting the action of mutagens and carcinogens. We have succeeded in establishing a reliable technique which allows to perform SCE in preimplantation embryos in order to make the pre-uterine stages of development accessible to routine detection of DNA damage. Using the mouse strain and technique described, approximately 30-40% of mice will mate successfully after synchronization and spontaneous ovulation. From 3 pregnant females, about 30 four- to eight-cell embryos will be obtained, representing one experimental group providing approximately 50-80 two-S-phase labelled metaphases with a SCE frequency baseline below 6 exchanges.
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange