COBRE in Mesenchymal and Neural Regulation of Metabolic Networks
COBRE Core Facility
Histopathology and Histomorphometry Core — Dr. Volkhard Lindner
Projects in this COBRE require extensive analysis of tissues including bone, bone marrow, and adipocytes. We provide expert support in tissue processing, histological staining, histomorphometry, microscopy, and immunostaining.
The current services of this facility include the fixation, embedding, and processing of specimens for frozen and paraffin embedded sections. We also have tissue microarray capacity, enabling generation of slides containing multiple samples, allowing for efficient analysis of large groups of samples. In addition, a comprehensive spectrum of routine histological stains and specialty stains is offered. Detection of specific proteins by immunohistochemistry is also carried out. Innovative aspects of this Core include the development of highly specific rabbit monoclonal antibodies for the detection of antigens in specimens where quality antibodies do not exist. Consultation in antibody characterization and histological and immunostaining protocols is also provided.
This core facility provides services to external clients, so please contact us with your histopathology needs: Volkhard Lindner MD, PhD (lindnv@mainehealth.org).
The image below is an example of processing, embedding, sectioning and staining of calcified tissues such as bone. This shows a model of inflammatory arthritis in Cthrc1 null mice (H&E stain).
Our expert histotechnologists work with investigators to develop and characterize antibodies and their specificities in immunostaining. Shown below is expression of CTHRC1 protein in bone.
This COBRE award supported the development of static and dynamic bone histomorphometry. Below is an example of labeling of mouse bone with fluorescent tracers and imaging prior to analysis.
We also focus on the analysis of adipose depots and their quantification by histomorphometry. Shown below is an image of mouse brown adipose tissue immunostained with a perilipin antibody.
Our COBRE projects are interested in neural interactions with bone and adipose tissue. In the image below, dopaminergic neurons in the brain are stained using an antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase.
