The primary histology and microscopy suite comprises about 750 square feet on the third floor. The tissue preparation lab is equipped with several dissecting microscopes, pH and osmolality meters, a respectably complete array of necessary chemicals, and embedding materials for paraffin and polymer techniques. An additional lab of 100 square feet is dedicated to confocal microscopy and image analysis.
This service, while primarily supporting a dozen basic and clinical researchers, may produce multiple sets of slides for the ocular anatomy courses. In addition to standard light microscopy, this lab houses a full-featured transmission electron microscope (TEM) which is regularly used for ultrastructural studies.
Tissue sectioning may be done with a sliding microtome (Leica Jung Histoslide 2000), a Bright model OTF Cryostat [freezing microtome,] or one of three ultramicrotomes. The newest, RMC model MT-7000 UltraMicrotome is mounted on an isolation table (Micro-G) for particularly critical EM work. Capabilities also exist for immunocytochemistry and autoradiography techniques. Light microscopy may be accomplished with several binocular microscopes equipped for dark field and phase contrast work. These scopes accommodate two observers. Confocal microscopy is done on a Leica TCS SP2 Confocal microscope with Image Pro software.
A MacIntosh Power Mac 7300/180 is connected to an image capture camera mounted on an Olympus BH2 binocular microscope. Image handling and analysis is accomplished using NIH-Image software.
The laboratory dark area has a new Tecnai G2 Spirit TEM configured for fully digital instrument control, digital imaging, automated image montaging of specimens, low -dose observation, and cryo-EM to accommodate the diverse requirements of our user group's current needs. Also within the dark area is a small plate processing darkroom for processing EM negatives, as well as a typical printing darkroom used to generate the final product. The enlarger is a Durst, capable of 4x5 negatives, and processing is done with a Kodak Rapid Print processor. Recent installation of a Kodak RP Ximat processor has enabled X ray and autoradiography processing.
Ancillary support equipment includes a fume hood, water still (Barnstead), several incubation and desiccation ovens, and a refrigerator dedicated to tissue and chemistry. The lab also provides an analytical balance (Mettler), appropriate glassware, and various mixers, shakers and centrifuges.
