The Intravital Microscopy Resource Core provides renal researchers with access to the expertise and resources of the O’Brien Center to support intravital microscopy of the rat and mouse kidney.
The Intravital Microscopy Core works closely with investigators to identify how intravital microscopy can help their research and to design meaningful quantitative studies. Studies of mice and rats are conducted by animal surgeons and microscopists with over 20 years of experience in all aspects of intravital microscopy and quantitative image analysis. Experts of the core then help investigators interpret results and, as necessary, design follow-up studies.
Quantitative assays are frequently customized for specific research questions, but include measurements of parameters such as:
- Microvascular flow
- Microvascular leakage
- Proximal tubule endocytosis
- Mitochondrial function
Studies of glomerular function (e.g., glomerular permeability) can be conducted with either mice or rats, but also using Munich-Wistar-Fromter rats, whose superficial glomeruli are particularly suited to studies of the glomerulus. As these rats are no longer commercially available, the Intravital Microscopy Core maintains a colony to support studies conducted at the center, or to provide to other laboratories.
The core also provides training for investigators interested in implementing intravital microscopy at their home institution. Training can be provided individually, or through the four-day O’Brien Center Microscopy Workshop, which is held every two years.
