The DHLRI Microscopy Core Lab provides instruments for both wide-field and confocal microscopy. Specimens can be imaged by either transmitted light or epi-fluorescence. Images can be captured as single planes, z-stacks through the depth of the specimen, or as time-series. The core also has software for post-acquisition processing and analysis, as well as 3-D reconstruction of z-stack images. A tunable infrared laser is available for multiphoton fluorescence imaging in live specimens. Core personnel are available to assist you in instrument setup and specimen analysis. Training is also available for investigators wishing to work independently.

Instrumentation:

1. The Nikon Eclipse 800 provides a range of high quality optics with objectives from 1x to 100x. The Differential Interference Contrast optics of the system allow detailed study of many unstained specimens. The microscope is fitted with filter sets for collection of fluorescent images from DAPI, FITC, and Texas Red stains. Images can be captured with a film-based camera or as digital files with a CCD camera. Digital capture and processing/analysis of images is controlled by the MetaMorph software package (Universal Imaging, Inc.) The microscope also has a heated stage for temperature control during observation of living cells.
2. The Zeiss LSM 510 is a confocal laser scanning microscope providing software control of nearly all of the functions of the microscope. With six visible laser lines and 15 emission filters available, the scope can be configured to handle a broad range of fluorescent molecules. Since it is an inverted scope, observation of living cells in the appropriate types of culture vessels is possible. Live work is further enhanced by the availability of a tunable IR laser for multiphoton excitation of fluorescent probes. When using the multi-track capability of the LSM 510, up to 4 individually configured excitation/filter setups can be sequentially scanned and images captured, thereby eliminating most of your fluorescence bleed-through problems when using multiple probes.