Autopsy and Histologic Analysis of the Transgenic Mouse

Ttransgenic and knockout mice often show phenotypes that differ from our expectations. Therefore, it is important to carry out a complete pathologic examination using both macroscopic and microscopic analysis. It should be noted that, apart from (un)expected phenotypes caused directly by expression of the transgene, the integration of the transgene may also silence genes, leading to phenotypic changes. For analyzing these phenomena, it is valuable to do routine histologic studies of the complete mouse, with all organs are examined in paraffin sections using a regular hematoxylin and eosin staining. If abnormalities are observed in tissues, immunohistochemistry can give extra information regarding the cell types involved.