Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory
Dr. Sean Liu is the Director of the Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory,
which is approximately 800 square feet located in the DS 238 complex, plus DS 250C which is a shared laboratory.
This laboratory contains most of the equipment required for this proposal. The research technologist is under his
supervision.
The Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory (MTHRL) is an outgrowth of the former Bone Research
Laboratory. In the late 1980’s and 1990’s, the Bone Research Laboratory had several grants from NASA to
analyze experiments that were flown in space. There was also several NIDR grants at that time as well.
The laboratory still specializes in the preparation of undecalcified hard tissue specimens,
particularly those with metal implants in situ, but is equipped and staffed to provide a full array
of histology services with capabilities for processing soft tissue and hard tissue specimens and
provides comprehensive histological services to the School of Dentistry investigators such as:
- Tissue processing in both paraffin and plastic embedding (methyl Methacrylate).
- Sectioning (paraffin-embedded) to specified thickness.
- Sectioning (plastic-embedded) to an approximate thickness.
- Histochemical stains, including: Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) & Trichrome.
Equipment
- Skyscan 1072 MicroCT (uCT), which permits the scanning of small specimens with up to 2 µm of resolution
- Skyscan software for CT reconstructions.
- Up-to-date computers (Dell workstations)
- Shandon Hypercenter XP for paraffin and plastic infiltration
- Miles Tissue Tek Embedding Center for paraffin histology
- Leica microtomes (2050) The rotary microtome for sectioning paraffin embedded tissues
- Leica Polycut S sledge microtome for sectioning of mineralized thin sections (without implants)
- Exakt cutting/microgrinding system for producing 15-25 micron sections of fully mineralized and
implant containing specimens
- Exakt Light polymerized embedding machine for plastic embedding
- Nikon Microphot FXA automatic photomicroscope with brightfield, darkfield,
polarized, and epifluoresent capabilities to allow for histomorphometric measurements.
- Nikon Dissecting microscope
- Digital imaging system including a Sony Printer
- Nikon Labphot microscopes
- Leica 1600 Sawmicrotome for serial sectioning of mineralized specimens and implants
at an approximate thickness of 100 microns
- Vacuum oven for infiltrating large bone pieces
- Various balances
Special procedures are available upon request. For economical processing of hard tissue specimens,
a variety of decalcification procedures are available and will be quoted as needed once it is
discussed with the Director and laboratory personnel. It is extremely important that
researchers plan projects carefully so that appropriate time will be allowed for the completion
of work sent to the laboratory realizing that there is limited staff and several ongoing projects.
Since there is a finite time factor for IUSD postdoctoral and predoctoral dental students, this
project takes first priority. The MTHRL also provides histological services through negotiated
contracts or on a sample to sample basis for investigators outside of the School of Dentistry.
Biomechanics Research Laboratory
Dr. Thomas Katona is the Director of the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, which is approximately 800
square feet of space in DS 250B and 250C (a shared laboratory). A comprehensive fundraising campaign in the early nineties enabled the department
to purchase the MTS testing machine and remodel the area for its use. The laboratory is immediately adjacent to
the Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory complex to maximize opportunities for collaborative research.
Equipment
- MTS testing machine: general mechanical testing
- Up-to-date computers (Dell workstations)
- Access to general histological materials
- Pro/Engineer: computer aided design software
- Unigraphics: computer aided design software
- ANSYS/Workbench: state of the art finite element analysis and CAD package
- Materialise Mimics: provides interface/transformation between CT data and CAD/FEA data
- MATLAB: mathematical software
- Fraclac: fractal analysis software
- SPSS: statistical package.
For additional information, please contact:
Department of Orthodontics & Oral Facial Genetics, Research Section
Indiana University School of Dentistry
1121 W. Michigan St., Room 204
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5186
|
| research office: |
(317) 274-0544 |
| administrative office: |
(317) 274-8301 |
| fax: |
(317) 278-1438 |
| e-mail: |
dsoofg@iupui.edu |