Research Histology

The major goal of this facility is to provide quality research histology for UF investigators and their collaborators. Histology allows the visualization, identification, and analysis of tissue morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin staining is routinely used for general tissue morphology while special stains allow visualization of specific cells, tissues, or their components. New projects can be discussed with staff during initial design stages so that necropsy, tissue harvesting, fixation, and processing/embedding are all optimized for specific end points.

Submission forms and instructions

Turnaround time for completion depends both on current workload and the complexity of your submission. Routine paraffin processing and embedding submissions is often returned within 24 hours if processed that evening. Estimates for completion time can be provided at submission.Please make us aware of any deadlines at submission.

Please consult one of the Histotechnicians whenever there are special requests.

Location

Dental Tower in the Health Sciences Complex, 11th floor, room 41 (D11-41)
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, closed all UF holidays
P: (352) 273-7749
F: (352) 273-7753
E: molecular@pathology.ufl.edu

Services:

• 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and cassettes (large, regular, and biopsy sizes; sponge pads) for submitters Cassette printing Processing, embedding, and sectioning paraffin blocksCryopreservation. OCT embedding, freezing, and sectioning frozen blocks Stains: H&E, Aldehyde Fuschin-H&E, Pas/PasD, Oil red O (frozen only), Van Gieson's (elastin), Congo Red, Cresyl Violet, Giemsa, Mallory Iron, Masson's Trichrome, and othersCytocentrifugationSectioning using DNase/RNase free conditionsMouse, rat, and human paraffin and frozen block archives Whole organ serial section: mouse eyes, bone, others
• Whole slide scanning using the Aperio CS Scanscope
• Tissue multiple array design, construction, and staining
• Pathology reviews
• Necropsy instruction and D11-32 workspace (when added to your IACUC)(reservations)
• Good Lab Practice preclinical studies and clinical studies- contact us
• Consultation on project design and histology and IHC methodologies- contact Dr. Ann Fu.

• Microwriter I cassette printer
• Surgipath Laser slide labeler
• Sakura Tissue Tek VIP 300e Processor - Fixation is ended before placement in processor so that all fixatives are supported. The first station on the processor is 70% Ethanol and 190 and 200 proof ethanols are used for dehydration.
• Leica and Tissue Tek embedding stations
• Leica XL auto slide stainer
• Microm and Leica microtomes (4)
• Cryostats (HM505 EVP)
• *Zeiss Axioskop Plus with Axiocam HR color camera (sign-up calendar)
• *Metamorph image analysis station (dual 22" monitors)
  • *Use is limited to Program Project Grant investigators and their staff
• Aperio CS slide scanning system
• Beecher Tissue Micro Arrayer
• Olympus dissection and light microscopes

Useful methods/histopathology links:

Complete mouse necropsy |Virtual Mouse Necropsy | Visible Mouse (UCDavis)
Eyes, islets, kidney (Animal Models of Diabetes Complications Consortium)
Eye histology
Tissue Trimming
BrdU-injection and IHC
Protocols on line: Histology
Fixative recipes | Formaldehyde | 4%PAF | PLP |

Frozens: How to freeze | Freezing and IHC protocols (BD) |Direct GFP in fixed frozen sections | Freezing and Cryostat sectioning

Special stains

Use of the light microscope | Digital Microscopy (Aperio ScanScope)

Other sites with great mouse links:
Comparative Pathology Lab (UAB)
Mouse Histology- Necropsy, Fixation, Processing, etc., Fero lab
Histology and IHC- UCSD
Mouse Research Pathology - Yale
Histology and IHC/ISH- UPenn