BRI Microscopic Techniques Core
Brain Research Institute (BRI)
Overview
The Microscopic Techniques Laboratory in the SEMEL Institute for Neuroscience room 78-177 houses a diverse range of equipment for the preparation of tissue samples for light microscopy. The facility has setups for paraffin, vibratome and cryostat sectioning as well as plastic embedding and sectioning. The Core can provide these services, and trained users can operate equipment independently. A list of reservable equipment is available in the Equipment and Services Page.
To use the laboratory and its facilities, first-time users must obtain an Investigator Authorization Form from the Microscopic Techniques Laboratory and undergo training. Please contact bricore@ucla.edu for service or more information.
For returning users, the booking site is available to reserve equipment within the UCLA Protected Wi-Fi network.
Leadership
Equipment
Leica CM 1950 Cryotome
The Leica CM1950 Cryotome is used to section frozen samples for microscopic analysis. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Leica VT1000S vibratome
The Leica VT1000 vibratome is designed to cut tissues at physiological conditions without freezing or embedding. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Leica RM 2135 & RM 2165 Microtomes
Our microtomes can produce thin sections of paraffin-embedded tissues for optical microscopy. After training, a user will be authorized to independently reserve and operate the equipment.
Services
Electron Microscopy Services
The core can prepare, embed, section and stain your samples for transmission electron microscopy. The core can also image your samples via on a JEOL JEM-100CX TEM.
Optical Microscopy Histology Services
The Core facility can assist with your histology needs. Immunostaining and various traditional staining methods are available.
Pricing
| Service | Hourly Rate (UCLA) | Hourly Rate (External) |
|---|---|---|
| Cryostat – Core Service | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Cryostat – Self Service | $21.00 | $28.00 |
| Rotary Microtome – Core Service | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Rotary Microtome – Self Service | $21.00 | $29.00 |
| Vibratome – Core Service | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Vibratome – Self Service | $20.00 | $28.00 |
| Nikon Microscope – Core Service | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Consultation/Training/ Assistance | $65.00 | $65.00 |