Morphology Core FacilityAll of the projects proposed in this Program Project rely on the use of morphological examinations andmeasurements as part of the analysis of their data. The goal of the Morphology Core is to provide theequipment and expertise required to process and deliver this high-quality histologic data as efficiently, and toprovide expertise on the methods of sample preparation and analysis that is geared towards each particularresearch project.The Morphology Core is fully capable of processing specimens for a wide array of morphologictechniques including, rapid automated processing of standard histology samples, sectioning of those samples,preparation of samples tor frozen and plastic sections, immunochemistry, microscopic examination, imagecapture, and image analysis. The services to be provided by the Imaging Core are summarized by thefollowing Specific Aims:
Specific Aim 1 : To provide a centralized processing area for the embedding, sectioning and staining ofstandard histologic samples.A well-equipped centralized histology laboratory with qualified technicians will prepare histologicsamples using automated embedding equipment, high-end microtomy equipment for standard and frozensections, with technical expertise, and standardized and immunohistochemical staining methodologies throughthe use of an experienced staff.
Specific Aim 2 : To provide a central laboratory for imaging and image analysis.Imaging facilities will center on a Leica upright research fluorescent and brightfield microscope and anOlympus inverted microscope for tissue culture observation plus a workstation for image analysis using ImagePro-Plus. Scheduling will be organized through the internet, as will image storage and downloading toindividual laboratories. Expertise on imaging, image analysis and interpretation will be provided by the staff.
Specific Aim 3 : To apply non-invasive MRI for microstructral & molecular imaging of intact specimens.The Imaging Core will employ the resources of the Case Center for Imaging Research (CCIR) forroutine analysis of specimens with MRI. These specialized and developing techniques include delayedGadolinium Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage (dGEMRIC) to assess glycosaminoglycancontents. These non-invasive methods can be applied to specimens at several time points without adverselydisturbing the specimen, such as analysis of specimens in customized bioreactors. Expertise on MRI will beprovided by the staff of the Imaging Core and the staff in collaboration with the staff of the CCIR.The advantages of having the Imaging Core are that the processing of samples can be conducted inone central location more cost-efficiently than in the individual labs and the centralization of the facilities allowsall laboratories access to excellent equipment that can be maintained by an experienced staff. The extraadvantage of this Imaging Core is the availability of experts in the field who have access to other professionalsand imaging instrumentation on and off campus that may provide alternative approaches to the analysis oftheir specimens.
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