High-frequency ultrasound database profiling growth, development, and cardiovascular function in C57BL/6J mouse fetuses.
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.
Spurney
Christopher F
CF
Department of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Leatherbury
Linda
L
Lo
Cecilia W
CW
D000818:Animals; D004452:Echocardiography; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal