The Histology Core of the NSMRC performs traditional histological methods such as paraffin-embedding, frozen sectioning and traditional histological staining. However, the Histology Core is also able to perform immunohistochemical staining and correlate antibody stains with quantitative approaches and composition even on a single cell basis. There is thus virtually no protein structure or complex within skeletal muscle that cannot currently be studied by the Histology Core at the structural level, at least with the aid of the light microscope. In addition, the Histology Core has performed detailed quantitative analysis of skeletal muscle ultrastructure in exercised tissue and transgenic animal models. We have also combined forces with the Imaging and Biomechanics Cores to develop methods for real-time imaging of single muscle cells during biomechanical loading.

The Histology Core has access to a paraffin embedding center, a Reichert-Jung Polycut E microtome, and a Leica Jung microtome for fixed tissue sectioning. A Leica CM3050S cryostat with a disposable blade holder and knife holder are used for sectioning frozen tissue. A Leica DM2000 phase contrast microscope with 1.25X, 2.5X, 5X, 10X, 20X, and 40X objective lenses, equipped with a 12 megapixel Leica DC500 digital camera, as well as a Nikon Microphot-SA epifluorescent microscope equipped with a SPOT RT Color 2 megapixel camera and an Applied Scientific Instrumentation motorized XYZ stage are available for imaging. In addition, the core is part of the UCSD-Doshisha University Imaging Center which consists of a Leica SP5 confocal microscope and a Leica SCN400 F brightfield and fluorescence slide scanner.

Richard L. Lieber, Ph.D.
Samuel R. Ward, PT, Ph.D.

Richard L. Lieber, Ph.D.
(858) 552-8585 x 7016
rlieber@ucsd.edu