Neuroscience Research Institute: Clinical and Basic Science Imaging Equipment

Thc Uni'v'crsity of Kentucky (UK) rcquests support for the acquisition of advanced multiuse biomedical imaging equipment including a spectral laser scanning confocal microscopc, a rapid acquisition confocal microscope, a digital image capture system and a matrix-assisted laser dcsorption ionization tandem mass spectrometer (ivlALDI-MS/MS) for the Neurosciencl' Research Institute at UK. This requested equipment is required to enhance clinical and basic science research programs in the neurosciences at UK which serves the rural areas of eastern and central Kentucky. Kentucky is among the leaders in the nation for risk factors resulting in high rates of stroke, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases among its population. The training of health care providers for the State at the highest levels will enable the people in eastern and central Kentucky to receive advanced and modem health care. At the present time there is no equipment for real time imaging at the cellular and subcellular levels available for clinical studies at the University. This cluster of multiuse equipment will be housed in the newly constructed Biomedical! Biological Sciences Research Building (BBSRB) at UK to support clinicians and basic science investigators in the Neuroscience Research Institute. Their research will significantly benefit from access to this state-of-the-art imaging equipment which at present is not available at UK or in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The two confocal microscopes have been designed to be complementary to one another. One will allow imaging in the UV range, spectral separation of closely related photofluours, and user-defined scans of regions of interest; while the other confocal microscope is a rapid acquisition system (I 00 images/second) allowing investigators to image microevents such as Ca++movement or in vitro investigations of tumor cells' response to drug treatment in clinical trials. The digital camera will allow clinicians and basic scientists to capture photographic quality digital images. This system will be used by clinicians to decrease diagnostic time for patients referred by practitioners across the service region who require ultrastructural images. The two laser scanning confocal microscopes and the digital camera will be managed by the UK Core Imaging Facility personnel under the direction of Dr. Bruce Maley, while the MALDIMS/ MS mass spectrometer will be part of the Core Imaging Facility but under the direction of Dr. Haining Zhu. The facility consists of two laser scanning confocal microscope rooms, an electron microscope room, wet laboratories for electron and light microscopy, offices for laboratory personnel, a microtomy area, and an imaging room. Dr. Maley is responsible for the overall management of the facility. The current staff includes a laboratory manager (Ms. Mary Gail Engle) who is responsible for the day to day operations, a histology laboratory specialist (Ms. Cynthia Long) and a laboratory technician (Ms. Mary Jennes). Each of the technical support staff is trained to assist users on the major equipment and is responsible for troubleshooting and routine maintenance of instrumentation. New users are trained by facility personnel prior to utilizing the equipment. Following training, individuals can reserve time in two hour blocks throughout the work week or after hours if the investigator is approved by the facility statf. The support staff is available during regular scheduled working hours for training or to assist individuals.