In vivo time-lapse imaging in medaka--n-heptanol blocks contractile rhythmical movements

Medaka is an ideal model system for developmental studies as it combines the advantages of powerful genetics and classical embryology. Due to the accessibility, transparency and fast development, embryogenesis and morphogenesis can be followed in vivo. Microscopic time-lapse imaging, however, requires the immobilization of the object to be observed. In medaka rhythmical contractile movements of the blastoderm during early development hampered time-lapse studies, as they cause the embryo to rotate vividly. Here we show that the contractile movements can be reduced by continuous treatment with the gap-junction uncoupling agent n-heptanol up to the 12-somite stage (stage 23) without interfering with development. This allows for the first time to perform high-resolution time-lapse studies in medaka.