Home Research Core Facilities
Core Facilities

Histology/Microscopy:

The Histology and Microscopy Core is a research facility which is open to everyone in the Gallo Center who has plans to investigate molecular and structural changes in the brain using microscopic methods. We provide hands-on training in histological staining, imaging and provide daily access to the centralized imaging and histology equipment (Zeiss LSM 510 Meta confocal system, laser capture microdissection system, cryostats from Leica and Microm, and many more). We also perform quality histological services for various ongoing projects on a re-charge basis, such as preparing tissue samples from transgenic animals, or performing histological controls for behavioral studies using Nissl staining of serial brain sections. We have years of experience in using successfully advanced cytochemical and imaging techniques for detection of proteins, gene reporters and mRNA in neuronal cells and we also encourage use of classical morphological techniques such as Golgi impregnation to study aberrant changes in brain cells that can be induced by drugs of abuse.

Dr. Viktor Kharazia (HMC Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) operates the laser at the Leica LMD7000 Laser Microdissection System during demonstration at the JH Technologies (Leica). The shared instrumentation grant initiative from several laboratories has been made recently for acquiring this system.

leica_demo_cr.jpg























Contributions to recent publications:

Choi DS, Wei W, Deitchman JK, Kharazia VN, Lesscher HM, McMahon T, Wang D, Qi ZH, Sieghart W, Zhang C, Shokat KM, Mody I, Messing RO. Protein kinase Cdelta regulates ethanol intoxication and enhancement of GABA-stimulated tonic current. J Neurosci. 2008 28(46):11890-9.

 Carnicella S, Kharazia V, Jeanblanc J, Janak PH, Ron D. GDNF is a fast-acting potent inhibitor of alcohol consumption and relapse. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 105(23):8114-9.

 Kim JA, Bartlett S, He L, Nielsen CK, Chang AM, Kharazia V, Waldhoer M, Ou CJ, Taylor S, Ferwerda M, Cado D, Whistler JL. Morphine-induced receptor endocytosis in a novel knockin mouse reduces tolerance and dependence. Curr Biol. 2008 18(2):129-35.

 Jurd R, Thornton C, Wang J, Luong K, Phamluong K, Kharazia V, Gibb SL, Ron D. Mind bomb-2 is an E3 ligase that ubiquitinates the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B subunit in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. J Biol Chem. 2008 283(1):301-10.

 Lesscher HM, McMahon T, Lasek AW, Chou WH, Connolly J, Kharazia V, Messing RO. Amygdala protein kinase C epsilon regulates corticotropin-releasing factor and anxiety-like behavior.Genes Brain Behav. 2008 7(3):323-33. 1.

Other neuroanatomical references can be found here.


Cell Culture:
The Gallo Center Cell Culture Core, established in 1984, provides centralized services and support for a wide range of research at the Center. Our researchers enjoy the use of this state-of-the-art facility for their work with various mammalian cell lines, insect cells, human blood cells, human viruses, primary brain cells, and ES cells for developing gene knockout mice. A trained cell culture staff is responsible for all maintenance, stocking and reordering of supplies and media. They also provide weekend and holiday coverage to maintain stock cultures and to carry out experimental directives from the laboratories.
There are three cell culture suites, comprised of 7 individual clean rooms for sterile work. Each room has 2 Biosafety II hoods, a minimum of 4 incubators, and an inverted Nikon microscope. The adjoining prep rooms have the necessary centrifuges, water baths, refrigerators, freezers and cryotanks.