University of California San Diego Mouse Phenotype Service

The overall goal of the Histopathology Core in Comparative Analyses is to enhance and facilitate the research of the individual Research Units by providing the following histological services:

  • Training and assistance with harvesting organs and processing of tissues
  • Tissue sectioning
  • Standard staining, special stains, lectin histochemistry and immunohistology
  • Training and assistance with microscopic analysis and interpretation of histological studies

Detail of Services offered by the Histopathology Core to assist with Comparative Analyses:

Training and assistance with harvesting organs and processing of tissues:

  • Harvesting of mouse tissues, using optimal methods.
  • Freezing of organs, tissues and cells.
  • Fixing, orienting, processing and embedding in paraffin, of organs, tissues and cells.

Tissue sectioning:

  • Preparation of paraffin sections.
  • Preparation of frozen sections and training as needed.

Standard staining, special stains, lectin histochemistry and immunohistology:

  • Standard and specialized histochemical staining and training as needed.
  • Lectin histochemistry with controls and inhibitors.
  • Immunohistological staining, of frozen/paraffin sections with enzyme/fluorochrome-labels.
  • Antigen retrieval and signal amplification methods.
  • Assays for apoptosis or for proliferating cells.

Training and assistance with microscopic analysis and interpretation of histological studies:

  • Advice on experimental design of histological studies.
  • Assistance with microscopic analysis, histological evaluation, interpretation, and photo-documentation