Protocol for visualizing microtubules in transzonal projections of mouse ovarian follicles
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Updated: Oct 30, 2026
Culture and Co-Culture of Mouse Ovaries and Ovarian Follicles
Published on: March 17, 2015
Takao Tsurumaki1, Akihiro Aikawa1, Masamitsu Sato2
1Laboratory of Cytoskeletal Logistics, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Visualizing microtubules within tissues remains technically challenging, limiting our understanding of their organization and function in vivo. Here, we present a protocol for visualizing microtubules in transzonal projections (TZPs), cellular projections that connect ovarian somatic cells and oocytes within mouse ovarian follicles. We describe steps and conditions for ovarian fixation, cryosection preparation, and immunostaining to preserve fine microtubule structures. We then detail procedures for super-resolution imaging to visualize fine microtubules within TZPs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Aikawa et al.1.
