CORE--IMMUNOHISTOPATHOLOGY

免疫组织病理学核心（核心C）将提供协调和有效的设施，以允许组织样本的可再现和可预测的组织化学处理，随后将通过自动或半自动图像分析技术进行分析。Stokes博士和Popovich博士作为共同主要研究者将监督一个在处理组织形态计量学、细胞计数、免疫组织病理学、原位杂交、凝胶分析和放射自显影定量方面有既定记录的团队。因此，这种方法可能会产生准确性和可重复的结果。我们将对该机构承担监督责任，包括安排、培训项目人员进行组织学制备/分析，并在必要时监督成像/显微镜设施的使用。增强式系统（Zeiss Axioplan光学显微镜连同MCID 4系统的微计算机成像软件将具有暗场和微分干涉对比（DIC）光学器件、用于免疫组织化学/免疫荧光的落射荧光照明以及便于半自动细胞计数、细胞形态测定分析、以及对组织区域进行分数密度测定分析的能力）的独特之处在于它取代了各种不太敏感的，这是个别项目调查人员以前用于这一目的的繁琐技术。该设施的技术人员也将精通成像中心所建议的硬件和软件的使用，特别是当它适用于免疫细胞病理学、密度测定和荧光技术时。本提案中要求的额外技术人员将为项目2-4提供支持，包括：（1）固定方法，（2）组织切片的计划和执行，（3）适当的免疫组织化学技术，以及（4）数据分析/管理（例如，体视学技术、取样方法等）数据存储/编目和数据呈现。本核心与核心B（统计核心）之间的密切工作关系将有助于数据分析和统计程序的这一技术方法。核心项目B将就适当的数据库技术或是否需要可转换的数据表示方式和/或用于定量体视学程序的新软件提供咨询意见。

The Immunohistopathology Core (Core C) will provide coordinated and efficient facilities to allow reproducible and predictable histochemical processing of tissue samples that will be subsequently analyzed by automated or semi-automated image analysis techniques. Dr. Stokes and Popovich as CO-PI's will supervise a team that has an established record in dealing with the quantitative aspects of tissue morphometrics, cell counting, immunohistopathology, in situ hybridization, gel analysis and autoradiography. Accuracy and reproducible outcomes are therefore likely to result from such an approach. We will provide oversight responsibilities for the facility including scheduling, training of project personnel in histological preparation/analysis and supervise use of the imaging/microscopic facilities as necessary. The enhanced system (Zeiss Axioplan light microscope together with microcomputer imaging software of an MCID 4 system will capacities for darkfield and differential interference contrast (DIC) optics, epi-fluorescence illumination for immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and software that facilitates semi-automated cell counts, cell morphometric analysis, and the ability to do fractional densitometric analysis of tissue areas) that will be used in this proposal is unique in that it replaces a variety of less sensitive, cumbersome technologies that have previously been used for this purpose by individual project investigators. Technical personnel in the facility will also be well versed in the employment of the hardware and software proposed in the imaging center, particularly as it applies to immunocytopathology, densitometry, and fluorescent techniques. An additional technician requested in the present proposal will provide support to projects 2-4 involving: (1) methods of fixation, (2) planning and execution of tissue sectioning, (3) appropriate immunohistochemical techniques, and (4) data analysis/management (e.g., stereological techniques, sampling methods, etc.) data storage/cataloging, and data presentation. This technical approach will be aided in data analysis and statistical procedures by a close working relationship between this Core and Core B (Statistical Core). Core B will advise on appropriate database technology or need for convertible modes of data presentation and/or new software for quantitative stereological procedures.