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Updated: May 1, 2026
Murine Fetal Echocardiography
Published on: February 15, 2013
Echocardiographic assessment of embryonic and fetal mouse heart development: a focus on haemodynamics and morphology
Nathan D Hahurij1, Emmeline E Calkoen1, Monique R M Jongbloed2
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands ; Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Insights
High-frequency ultrasound effectively assessed embryonic mouse heart development, revealing increased heart rate and improved cardiac function. This imaging technique provides valuable structural and hemodynamic data for studying congenital heart disease (CHD) models.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) arises from complex heart development abnormalities.
- Existing animal models lack comprehensive hemodynamic data, particularly for the right heart.
- Assessing embryonic/fetal cardiac development requires advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate morphological and hemodynamic parameters in developing mouse embryos and fetuses.
- To utilize a high-frequency ultrasound system for detailed cardiac analysis.
- To establish a baseline for normal embryonic/fetal heart function and structure.
Main Methods:
- Timed breeding of a wild-type (WT) mouse line.
- Transabdominal ultrasound recordings in isoflurane-sedated pregnant mice.
- Sequential developmental stages analyzed: 12.5, 14.5, and 17.5 days post-conception (n=105).
Main Results:
- Significant increase in heart rate from 125 ± 9.5 to 219 ± 8.3 beats per minute.
- Successful flow measurements across mitral/tricuspid valves and outflow tract.
- M-mode measurements obtained for all cardiac compartments, showing improved systolic and diastolic function.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency echocardiography is a valuable tool for embryonic/fetal mouse heart analysis.
- The study provides crucial structural and hemodynamic data for normal heart development.
- This modality aids in understanding CHD pathogenesis using animal models.
Background:
Heart development is a complex process, and abnormal development may result in congenital heart disease (CHD). Currently, studies on animal models mainly focus on cardiac morphology and the availability of hemodynamic data, especially of the right heart half, is limited. Here we aimed to assess the morphological and hemodynamic parameters of normal developing mouse embryos/fetuses by using a high-frequency ultrasound system.
Methods:
A timed breeding program was initiated with a WT mouse line (Swiss/129Sv background). All recordings were performed transabdominally, in isoflurane sedated pregnant mice, in hearts of sequential developmental stages: 12.5, 14.5, and 17.5 days after conception (n = 105).
Results:
Along development the heart rate increased significantly from 125 ± 9.5 to 219 ± 8.3 beats per minute. Reliable flow measurements could be performed across the developing mitral and tricuspid valves and outflow tract. M-mode measurements could be obtained of all cardiac compartments. An overall increase of cardiac systolic and diastolic function with embryonic/fetal development was observed.
Conclusion:
High-frequency echocardiography is a promising and useful imaging modality for structural and hemodynamic analysis of embryonic/fetal mouse hearts.
