ABSTRACT
The mammalian oviduct is a tubular reproductive organ essential for fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development in vivo. Ex vivo imaging methods have brought exciting findings on the activities of oviductal cilia, the movements of the cumulus-oocyte complex, and the behaviors of sperm. As a low-coherence optical imaging technique, optical coherence tomography provides a unique imaging scale, combining microlevel spatial resolution with millimeter-level imaging depth, which perfectly fills in the gap between confocal microscopy and ultrasonic imaging. The original design of the window was adopted from a study in which intravital confocal imaging was performed on the mouse ovary to probe cancer cell migration. Implantation of this window was conducted on the right dorsal side of the mouse, as the left ovary is adjacent to the spleen. Routine procedures for survival surgeries on mice should be followed, including sterile environment, proper anesthesia, treatment with analgesic, such as buprenorphine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, application of ophthalmic ointment, and postoperative care.
