Description
The overall objective of this Facility Core is to provide both routine histology processing, as well as more specialized histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to Center investigators. This Core also provides technical assistance, training, and consultations in histological techniques, necropsies and histopathological interpretation for Center investigators.
The Specific Aims of Facility Core 3 are:
- To provide histology processing, including paraffin embedding, staining, frozen sections, and other conventional histology techniques required by Center Members;
- To continue developing novel necropsy, morphometry (sample collection, orientation and processing) and immunohistochemical approaches precisely adapted to the needs of Center Members;
- To provide training, advice and consultation for morphology techniques and for the histo- and immunopathologic diagnosis of experimental lesions to Center Members;
- To provide more formalized instruction in histopathology in the context of new initiatives of the Career Development Core;
- To identify, develop and implement new techniques as needed to support the initiatives developed by the Integrated Health Science Facility Core.
Significance
Histology processing and diagnosis, as well as related techniques such as histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography, in situ hybridization, etc. have become indispensable tools for the study of cellular responses to different environmental stimuli. In addition, the more recent use of microdissected paraffin sections in molecular biology studies (detection of mutation, polymorphisms, sequencing, etc.) have made these techniques an essential component of many research projects.
Many current and proposed research projects of CRED members utilize animal models in which the end point is the histopathological assessment of tissue pathology (e.g., toxicity, cell proliferation, neoplasia). In addition, increasing numbers of research projects utilize human tissues that must be analyzed at the microscopic level. This trend is expected to accelerate as Center Members take advantage of the resources provided by the new Integrative Health Sciences Facility Core. Many projects also generate and use transgenic mouse models that require extensive characterization of tissue phenotypes. This extensive characterization and analysis of models is evident by the increased numbers of immunohistochemical stains that have been added each year by the Core. Prior to year six, before the addition of an Immunohistochemist, the Core provided about 20 routine antibody stains. To date, the Core has added about 40 new antibodies per year for a total of about 180 antibodies. A recent addition has been the characterization of human tumor cells and tissues that are being grown in or implanted into experimental mice. Careful attention to primary and secondary antibody specificity and cross reactivity in these mixed tissues (i.e. human tumor cells with mouse vascularization) requires a high rate of technical expertise that this Core provides. The MB Core can provide quantitative examination of proteins, gene analysis, etc. that is beyond the sensitivity of Immunohistochemistry. By combining the information that the two Cores provide, CRED researchers get molecular, immunohistochemical and histopathological data - a more complete picture of their animals.
The Histology and Tissue Processing Facility Core centralizes histology services providing routine processing, special techniques, technical assistance, training and consultation for Center investigators. The Core also makes necropsies at the request of members of the Center, particularly for the dissection of organs that may require special skills or knowledge of anatomy.
Staff
Irma B. Gimenez-Conti, DDS, Ph.D., Core Director. Associate Professor
Jimi
Lynn Brandon, Certified HT (ASCP)
Nancy Abbey, Certified HTL (ASCP) QIHC
Amanda Young, Certified HT (ASCP)
Lisa Cooper, Certified HT (ASCP)
Heather Ferrell, Histotechnologist
Paula Ritchie, Histotechnologist
