Characterization of the BAC Id3-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mouse line for in vivo imaging of astrocytes

摘要: Astrocytes are highly ramified glial cells with critical roles in brain physiology and pathology. Recently, breakthroughs imaging technology have expanded our understanding of astrocyte function vivo. The vivo study astrocytic dynamics, however, is limited by the tools available to label astrocytes their processes. Here, we characterize bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic Id3-EGFP knock-in mouse establish its usefulness for Using fixed sections, observed enhanced green fluorescent protein expression blood vessel walls throughout brain, although extent cell type specificity depended on area developmental age. two-photon imaging, visualized cortical layers 1–3 both thin skull window preparations. In adult animals, bodies fine processes could be followed over many hours. Our results suggest that Id3 mice used vessels development adulthood.