The application of Whole-Mount immuno fluorescence staining technique in the study of lymphatic morphology in mice

Objective To elaborate the characteristics and advantages of Whole-Mount immune fluorescence staining by observing the lymphatic vessels of mice. Methods The ear skin tissue, the hindlimb lymphatic vessels and the mesenteric lymphatic vessels were harvested from normal C57 mice. The tissue samples were subjected to whole-tissue immunofluorescence staining.These tissue samples were fixed by paraformaldehyde, blocked by bovine serum and incubated in primary and secondary antibodies. Then, the lymphatic vessels were observed and analyzed in these samples with a confocal laser-scanning microscope. Results The capillary lymphatic vessels and lymphatic endothelial cells can be clearly showed in the ear skin. The valves and smooth muscles can be clearly showed in the hindlimb and mesenteric lymphatic vessels by Whole-Mount immunofluorescence staining. Conclusions The whole-tissue immunofluorescence staining technique can observe the external morphology of lymphatic vessels clearly and stereoscopically, and can deeply observe the internal structure of lymphatic vessels. This technique can provide more accurate study on physiology and pathology of lymphatic vessels. Key words: Immunofluorescence staining; Lymphatic vessel; Lymphatic endothelial cell