In situ hybridization of mouse embryo and tissue sections with radiolabeled RNA probes

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes in situ hybridization of embryo and tissue sections with (35)S-labeled, single-stranded, antisense RNA probes (riboprobes). Protocols have also been developed for in situ hybridization to tissue sections using nonradiolabeled RNA probes that can be detected with antibodies coupled to alkaline phosphatase and a chromogenic substrate. Nonradioactive methods have the advantage that the results can be obtained relatively quickly, but the sensitivity is probably lower than with radioactive probes. In addition, care must be taken to optimize the amount of each probe used in the hybridization reaction.