Fetal Mouse Heart Clearing, Imaging, and 3D Reconstruction

Traditional histological sectioning has been widely used to examine congenital heart defects (CHDs) in mouse models, providing detailed insights into tissue and cellular architecture. However, this approach is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and can miss subtle defects due to the critical need for precise serial sections. In contrast, three-dimensional imaging of cleared embryonic hearts using light sheet fluorescence microscopy offers a more efficient and comprehensive solution. This technique enables the rapid acquisition of z-stacks, including thousands of sections, without manual sectioning, which can be reconstructed into high-resolution 3D models. As a result, it significantly improves the detection and visualization of CHDs in mouse fetuses.