Neuroanatomy Electron Microscopy Core

The BMRI is now home to the Neuroanatomy Electron Microscopy (EM) Core. "The Electron Microscopy & Histology Core" provides similar services as the "Neuroanatomy EM Core".  The difference is that the Neuroanatomy EM Core focuses on brain and provides training to people (especially students and post-docs) in laboratory procedures. Please click the link to our services using iLab:
For more information about the entire list of core facilities offered at WCMC, please click here: http://corefacilities.weill.cornell.edu/

Core Name:  Neuroanatomy Electron Microscopy Core
Director:  Teresa A. Milner, Ph.D.

Summary

Electron micrograph from rat hippocampus shows a parvalbumin-labeled dendrite (PARV-D; peroxidase) that contains mu opioid receptor labeling (black dots; arrows) in the cytoplasm. Bar, 500 nm (Milner et al., Synapse 67: 757-772, 2013)

The goal of the Core is to provide training and services in the processing of brain tissue for light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry.  Key aspects of the core include:  1) one-on-one training classes; 2) assistance with brain fixation and histology; 3) assistance with quantitative light microscopic immunocytochemistry on brain tissue; 4) assistance with quantitative single and dual labeling electron microscopic immunocytochemistry; 5) assistance with collection, analysis and interpretation of these preparations;  and 6) assistance with preparing collected data for publication and meeting presentations.

Mission of the core
This Core primarily oversees experiments on brain tissue that utilize pre-embedding light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical methods.

Location
Feil Family Research Building, 407 East 61st St, 3rd floor

Service Performed by Core

  • Providing consultation with experimental design and approach
  • Performing and training in perfusion fixation procedures specific for brain EM immunocytochemistry
  • Training in the sectioning of brains on a vibrating microtome (Vibratome).
  • Long-term storage of brain sections in cryoprotectant in -20oC freezer.
  • Assisting with characterizing and determining specificities of antibodies.
  • Assisting with determining optimal antibody labeling conditions for immunoperoxidase and immunogold-silver methods.
  • Training in quantitative light microscopic immunocytochemical methods.
  • Training in dual labeling EM immunocytochemical methods.
  • Assisting with embedding brain tissue in plastic.
  • Cutting thin-sections on the ultratome.
  • Training in cutting thin-sections on the ultratomes.
  • Training in the use of the electron microscope.
  • Training in identifying the types of neuronal and glial processes on the electron microscope.
  • Training in the use of specialized MCID image analysis software for analyzing electron micrographs.
  • Assistance with interpretation of data and statistics.
  • Assistance with preparation of data for publication and presentations.
  • Assistance with writing manuscripts.
Light micrograph shows angiotensin 1a receptor containing neurons in mouse hypothalamus 3V, 3rd ventricle Bar = 50 microns (Gonzalez et al., Neuroscience 226: 489-509, 2012)

Equipment Available in the Core

  • Hitachi HT7800 Electron microscope
  • 2 Leica Ultracut Ultramicrotomes
  • Glass knife maker
  • Loaner Diamond knives
  • Oven for curing Epon plastic
  • 3 Leica vibratomes
  • 2 computers with MCID image analysis software
  • Nikon light microscopes equipped with NIH image and digital cameras
  • 2 -20oC ultralow freezers

Weill Cornell Medicine Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute 407 E 61st St New York, NY 10065 Phone: (646) 962-8277 Fax: (646) 962-0535