Histology Resource Lab
The MBI CTAC Histology Resource Lab provides high quality histological
services through its facility located in Room L1-168. The HRL is
available to assist investigators throughout the University of Florida
campus. Support is provided to researchers working with human and
animal tissues.
For a list of CTAC Histology Equipment & Service Rates, please click here.
Available services include:
• Processing and sectioning of paraffin-embedded specimens
• Processing and sectioning of frozen tissues (in OCT)
• H&E staining
• Immunohistochemical / immunofluorescence staining
• Antibody titration/optimization
• Consultation and Staining for immunohistochemistry
• Access to imaging facility through CTAC
• Training investigators and staff
• Consultation with Histology personnel
• Protocol development for tissue collection and processing
• TUNEL Assay
• Assistance with FISH/ISH assays
The Histology Resource Lab is located in room L1-168 of the McKnight
Brain Institute. The laboratory specializes in providing equipment
and expertise for performing all facets of slide preparation for
histological assessment. In contrast to purely fee for service core
lab formats, investigators and their collaborators are afforded
the opportunity for hands-on control of their tissues.
The center includes all necessary equipment for processing tissues into paraffin blocks. The laboratory's Milestone Histos 5 microwave histoprocessor allows rapid processing using specialized processing schedules and is able to accommodate the most sensitive of biological specimens. A recently purchased Thermo Shandon Histocentre 3 is available for embedding prepared tissues into paraffin. For sectioning, there are two microtomes (a Microm HM325 and a Leica RM2235). There is also a Thermo Microwriter for legible and permanent labeling of tissue cassettes prior to processing.
Two cryostats are located in the lab for sectioning unfixed or fixed frozen tissues, commonly used for immunofluorescence work. The Microm HM 505E has a large working area and is easily decontaminated, making it useful in the sectioning of human brain. The Leica CM1850 has been equipped with an Instrumedics cryojane tape transfer system which facilitates the sectioning of scaffolds and other fragile materials. For thick sectioning of fresh, unfrozen tissue for slice culture applications a Leica VT1000S vibratome is accessible. Preparation of cells and cultures for staining is also supported, using a Thermo Shandon Cytospin 4.
Equipment available for staining applications consists of a Leica Autostainer XL (programmable for a wide array of routine and special stains), and a Vysis HYBrite oven for FISH and ISH protocols. The lab is also outfitted with several waterbaths, and ovens for use during antigen retrieval techniques as required for optimal immunohistochemistry staining of fixed sections.
There is a Leica DM 2500 fluorescent upright microscope for confirming in situ and immunostaining results, and for observing GFP in sections at the time of cutting. A Leica ASLMD laser capture microdissection unit is available for investigators desiring to harvest cells of interest from prepared slides, but currently no laser source is provided.
Training service and technical assistance is provided for all equipment.
The Center supports all forms of tissue preparation and staining. During individual consultations, investigators receive advice for selecting fixatives appropriate for their applications, assistance with antibody selection, method suggestions, procedural reviews and troubleshooting guidance. Special stains, H&E, immunohistochemistry and insitu staining protocols are supplied and optimized. Bench space is available for special techniques and training.
Due to the types of services provided, the HRL works hand-in-glove
with the imaging division of CTAC. |
