An automated technique for double staining of bone and cartilage in fetal mouse skeletal specimens using alizarin red S and Alcian blue.

Automated methods exist for double staining bone and cartilage in fetal rat, rabbit and mice using alizarin red S and Alcian blue. None of the published methods produce consistently stained bone and cartilage in mouse fetuses. Consequently, we modified an automated staining method for use with mouse fetuses.

Imaging and morphology in reproductive toxicology - progress to date and future directions.

This review looks at the recent development and application of imaging techniques for the morphological examination of fetuses from preclinical regulatory reproductive toxicology studies. Full replacement of the examination methods currently used in routine studies (microdissection, Bouin's fluid fixation/sectioning and alizarin red S/alcian blue preparations) by imaging techniques has yet to be achieved. Progress, especially in the application of micro-CT for skeletal examination, has been made but challenges, particularly the financial investment required, remain.

A "good practice" approach to the quality and consistency of morphological examination of the internal head structures of the term rabbit fetus.

Variation in the interpretation of the regulatory guidelines has resulted in a diversity of techniques employed to examine the internal structures of the foetal rabbit head. Examination of the foetal rabbit brain, using a single transverse section as the sole technique, is considered not to be sufficiently thorough to be regarded as an adequate examination method. It is not compliant with published EPA and OECD guidelines covering required examination of the internal head structures, nor is it considered to conform to the spirit of the safety assessment required by the ICH guideline.

Soft tissue examination of the fetal rat and rabbit head by magnetic resonance imaging.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging of the fetal rat and rabbit head, as an alternative to the traditional methods of fixation and preparation of serial sections, is described. Labeled magnetic resonance images of normal head anatomy have been provided as a reference for use when evaluating the internal structures of the head.