Imaging Core

     The mission of the Imaging Core is to provide histology, microcopy and imaging services to support and advance LVC/SLIIDR research activities. The Core is located in LSUHSC Gene Therapy Program (CSRB 5th floor) adjacent to the Antigen Discovery Core (Genomics/Proteomics) and offers expert advice on experimental design and interpretation of results.

     The Core has also recently purchased a state-of-the-art P.A.L.M. Laser Microdissection System capable of dissecting minute fragments of target tissue from sections for detailed histological, immunological or genomic analyses. This offers significant advantages to Center researchers for gene-based and phenotypic analyses of minute regions of tissue (as few as 10 cells) in studies of host/pathogen interaction.

     A Xenogen IVIS® SPECTRUM imaging system is also now available, allowing real-time imaging to non-invasively monitor and record cellular and genetic activity within a living organism with attendant advantages of high throughput (of mice) and high-sensitivity in vivo imaging of both fluorescence and bioluminescence with resolution (at 3.9cm field) to 20 microns. This equipment will facilitate in vivo localization and tracking of labeled cellular and genetic material within an organism in studies of disease pathogenesis and host response.

     In addition, the Gene Therapy Program has recently purchased an Olympus Fluoview FV1000 multiphoton laser scanning microscope equipped with a Mai Tai Titanium: Sapphire laser to allow fluorescence imaging deep within specimens. Utilizing nanosecond-pulsed infrared illumination, the Fluoview MPE (multiphoton excitation) is able to image up to 1mm into a specimen thanks to the scatter-free penetration of infrared light and long working distance objectives. The system’s software modules are easy to use and include flexibility in scanning modes and applications including time-course, FRET, FRAP, photo-stimulation, 3D rendering, spectral un-mixing (up to 2nm), co-localization, and multi-point observation.

     Technical support for LVC/SLIIDR research activities will be available in the Core.

Location:

LSU Health Sciences Center - CSRB 5th floor