Lymph node mapping in the mouse.

Accurate identification of lymph nodes in the mouse is critical for studies of tumor metastasis, and of regional immune responses following immunization. However, these small lymphatic organs are often difficult to identify in mice using standard dissection techniques, so that larger rats have been used to characterize rodent lymphatic drainage. We developed techniques injecting dye into the mouse footpad or tail, to label the lymphatic drainage of the hind leg and flank, pelvic viscera, prostate and mammary glands. While lymphatic drainage patterns were similar in mice and rats, the inguinal lymph nodes showed distinct differences in afferent and efferent drainage. These techniques allow accurate and rapid identification of lymph nodes and lymphatic drainage in normal as well as diseased mice.