Core Facilities

[
EPR Core]  [
MRI Core]  [
Optical/Electrophysiology]  [
Cellular/Molecular Core]  [

Animal Surgical Core]  [

Animal Behavior Core]















































The focus of the BRaIN Center is on multimode neuroimaging. Since all three cores emphasize a separate form of imaging, while simultaneously sharing a common neural target, there will necessarily be considerable synergistic interaction among the imaging cores. For example the MRI core will collaborate with the EPR core in the future to study cerebral ischemia. Although both are based on the principle of magnetic resonance, EPR and MRI can each provide unique and complementary information on tissue injury and, therefore, can be more powerful tools when used in combination (Rolett et al. 2000). We will integrate the information from the EPR and MR images to obtain additional insights into the phenomena we have been studying such as the sequelae of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Bruker has already integrated the gradient reference frames into both their MRI and EPR imaging software so that we can coregister these two types of images. We will apply non-linear registration methods to warp the images onto a common template.




















 
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P CSIs would allow the mapping of the ATP and PCr concentrations in the brain to these metabolically-distinct regions. The Optical/Electrophysiology Core will work with the MRI Core to measure metabolites such as NAD(H), using PRESS, PEPSI, or MQ NMR for MR and fuorescent dye measurements for the Optical Core.

EPR Core

EPR houses a Bruker EleXsys E500 EPR spectrometer (9.5 GHz) equipped with a standard TE102 resonator, and variable temperature control system useful for measurement of small samples, such as chemical solution, tissue homogenate, tissue slice, and cultured cells;
a Bruker EleXsys E-540 EPR spectrometer equipped with a L-band bridge (1.0 GHz, low frequency) useful for in vivo imaging of free radical formations in the small animal models such as rat.

Three resonators are available, depending on the nature of the study:

imaging resonator for mouse or rat brain
a 34 mm internal diameter birdcage resonator for in vivo studies with small animals such as mice and rats
an external loop resonator for localized measurement on the specific site of an animal.
Fees - $80 with staff scientist, $30 for anyone trained and not needing help

EPR Core Director:
Jim Liu, PhD
KLiu@salud.unm.edu

contact:
John Weaver, PhD
Research Asst Professor
College of Pharmacy
JMWeaver@salud.unm.edu

MRI Core

MRI core has a 4.7T 40 cm bore MR scanner for both structural and functional MRI in animal models, capable of T1, T2, T2* (BOLD), Perfusion Weighted Imaging (PWI), Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).

Fees - $150 per hour for UNM research and $300 per hour for private/industry funds.

MRI Core Director:
Laurel Sillerud, PhD
Res. Assist. Prof. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
LSillerud@salud.unm.edu

Optical / Electrophysiology Core

This core has a photodiode array for measuring transmembrane potential changes with voltage-sensitive dyes
two differential interference contrast (DIC) infrared systems for single cell whole-cell patch and sharp-tip intracellular recording studies
two-photon laser scanning microscope-electrophysiology station.
Fees - two photon $70 with staff scientist, $40 for anyone trained and not needing help
one photon $70 with staff scientist, $15 for anyone trained and not needing help

Optical/Electrophysiology Director:
John Connor, PhD
Research Professor of Neurosciences
jconnor@salud.unm.edu

Contact - Denis Bragin, PhD
Research Asst Professor: SOM Neurosurgery
DBragin@salud.unm.edu

Cellular / Molecular Core

The C/M core for cell culture work, histology and fluorescent microscopy of fixed samples is equipped with a cryostat, a fluorescent microscopy room for histology, a tissue culture room and basic instruments for cellular and molecular biology.

C/M Core Director:
Ranjana Poddar, PhD
Res. Assist. Prof. Neurology
rpoddar@salud.unm.edu

Animal Surgical Core

Surgical core has three operating rooms for acute and survival surgery of small and large animals.
They are fully equipped. An autoclave is available for sterilizing instruments. There are two stereotaxic stations with microscopes for microscopic surgery. A Doppler is available for measuring blood flow.
Both acute and longitudinal studies are possible.

contact:
Rebecca Purvis
rpurvis@salud.unm.edu

Animal Behavioral Core

The Behavior core has two swim tanks, a Gemini Avoidance system and a Rotor-rod system. A balance beam is set up and maybe available on request. There is some space left to set up other systems if needed.
The Core can be used for behavior training or to check animals physical abilities after a stroke.

Behavior core swim tank 2

contact:
Rebecca Purvis
rpurvis@salud.unm.edu