Visualizing fetal mouse great blood vessels by plastic casting.

In this protocol, the great vessels of the mouse are visualized by injecting colored plastic solutions directly into the heart, thereby filling the vessels. The plastic solidifies to create a stable cast that is then revealed by removing the mouse tissues with a caustic. This protocol can be modified for casting the vasculature of other organs by altering the delivery of the liquid plastic. For example, plastic casts of the maternal and fetal vasculature of the placenta can be generated.