Grant applications proposing work that will be performed by Histopathology Sciences (HPS), or with their assistance do not require letters of support unless the methods that will be used are not included in the Histopathology Sciences service description in the JAX Facilities and Other Resources master document (see description below). For methods that are unusual or particularly challenging or that were recently published, please contact the HPS associate director to determine whether a letter of support would be appropriate.
Project budgets can be estimated using the iLab quote tool for basic methods. If performance of a custom protocol is required or if other aspects of the project need to be customized, please contact the HPS associate director to discuss pricing.
Facilities and Other Resources Documentation:
Histopathology Sciences (HPS) combines the services of Clinical Chemistry (chemistry, hematology, and immunoassays), Electron Microscopy (scanning and transmission electron microscopy), Histology (embedding, sectioning, staining), and Research Necropsy (tissue and blood collection). HPS provides a comprehensive resource for preparation and analysis of tissue, blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid specimens from a variety of mouse models. Staff members have expertise in one or more of these disciplines and provide a variety of services and custom-tailored protocols meeting the needs of the investigator in a cost-efficient manner. Working together with research staff, HPS personnel import, modify, and develop protocols as necessary to obtain data.
Clinical Chemistry Service (CCS) employs the latest technology to measure specific parameters in the blood and urine of mice for the purposes of disease detection and phenotyping strain differences. Full-time staff members with extensive experience in the analysis of mouse samples are available to conduct analyses, in addition to providing consultation and advice for experimental design.
Electron Microscopy Service (EMS) offers access to both transmission microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Staff microscopists provide services for TEM and SEM sample preparation, including processing and embedding, semi-thick and ultra-thin sectioning, ultrathin cryo-sectioning and Vibratome sectioning, staining, and immuno-gold labeling. Training in the independent use of the electron microscopes is offered by the Service at no charge.
Histology Service (HIS) offers routine and specialized histological methods for preparation of cells and tissues for light and fluorescence microscopy. Services by the eight full-time histotechnologists include sample processing, embedding, and sectioning as well as routine and specialized staining. HIS staff provide paraffin embedding and cryo-embedding as well as routine and specialized sectioning, including cryo-sectioning. HIS delivers over 130 special staining techniques and over 100 different immunohistochemical labeling protocols. Consultation, assistance with experimental design, and training are part of the Service.
Research Necropsy Service (RNS) delivers complete case management services including gross whole-animal observation, necropsy, gross organ analysis and collection, photomicrography, tissue trimming, and project management. RNS staff conduct initial evaluations and documentation. Materials can be submitted to the Clinical Chemistry and Histology Services for processing. RNS is equipped with the instrumentation necessary to conduct perfusion, blood collection, necropsies, and both gross and microscopic digital photo documentation.
Histopathology equipment
Acknowledgement & Authorship:
If you have used any of JAX’s Scientific Services, please acknowledge the Service(s) used in all manuscripts, publications, grant applications, press releases, and presentations. Example language for the use of Histopathology Sciences is below:
“We gratefully acknowledge [optional: name of person] and Histopathology Sciences at The Jackson Laboratory for their contributions to this study.”