Pathology Research Services Laboratory: Services

The pathology and histology services we offer include the following:

 

Fixation of tissue specimens

The goal of fixation is to preserve the cells and tissue constituents without artifice. Our laboratory can advise you on optimal fixation options to achieve your goals and will provide various fixatives to researchers based on specimen requirements.

 

Processing of tissue specimen

Using an automated tissue processor, we will process your fixed tissue into paraffin. In addition to paraffin, we also do tissue processing for electron microscopy (Epon, Lowicryl, LR-White, etc).

 

Embedding of tissue specimen

Leica EG1160 and Shandon HistoCentre embedding centers are used for rapid paraffin embedding of tissue. We also do plastic resin (JB-4) embedding, embedding for electron microscopy studies and preparation of frozen tissue blocks. The laboratory provides techniques to freeze freshly obtained tissue specimens. This technique is useful for two purposes: (1) the demonstration of fats, lipids, and special tissue components; and (2) for rapid preparation of section for immunocytochemistry or microdisection of tissues. Specemins are rapidly frozen in O.C.T. blocks by immersion into liquid nitrogen at -270°C.

 

Sectioning of tissue blocks

We have three full time histotechnologists who can provide you with excellent service and turn around time. Thin tissue sections (usually 2 to 5 microns thick) are cut with Leica microtomes or cryostats and mounted on positively charged slides.

 

Histologic staining of tissue sections

Staining of tissue sections is to aid in the visualization of specific tissue constituents. The laboratory provides a large number of standard histologic stains to aid researchers in defining their research objectives. Offered stains include hematoxylin and eosin Stain (H&E), periodic acid schiff's (PAS), silver methenamine, oil red O and many others. See the special stains page for a complete list and the pictures page for some examples. We also offer enzyme histochemistry.

 

Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

Our laboratory can provide immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections with a large number of verified antibodies (please see our antibody list). In addition, we are available to help you optimize immunostaining with an antibody you supply. We provide mmunofluorescent staining of frozen sections to detect immune complex deposition (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3) in mouse, rat and human tissue. Both radioactive and non-radioactive in situ hybridization services are also available.