Core C: Bone Physiology

生理学核心支持全面的、最先进的骨和其他肌肉骨骼组织的生理特征。核心由3个“子单元”组成，由主管协调。核心的服务订阅量非常大，是三个科学核心中最大的一个。 组织学和组织形态计量学亚单位提供高质量的骨骼组织的组织学和组织形态计量学分析。最近的举措包括开发原位TUNEL分析，以及根据特定研究人员的需要进行新的免疫组织化学染色。最近对该次级单位进行的外部审计得出的结论是，所提供的服务质量极高。 骨转换亚单位生化标记物提供骨转换标志物和血清甲状旁腺素的分析。矿化骨细胞培养中的中间骨钙素、钙、磷和碱性磷酸酶的分析是实验室的新举措。 骨密度计子单元支持通过外周定量测量骨密度 计算机断层扫描(PQCT)和双能量吸收测量法(PlXlmus)通过与细胞核心达成协议。 中心的具体目标是：1)继续以协调和高效的方式向中心成员提供上述总结的服务，从而扩大他们的工作范围和工作效率；2)向中心成员提供这些技术方面的培训；3)继续开发和评估与体内和体外骨骼组织分析相关的新方法。

The Physiology Core supports comprehensive, state-of-the-art physiological characterization of bone and other musculoskeletal tissues. The Core is comprised of 3 "subunits" which are coordinated by the director. The services of the Core are very heavily subscribed, and it is the largest of the three scientific cores. The Histology and Histomorphometry Subunit provides high quality histologic and histomorphometric analyses of skeletal tissue. Recent initiatives have included the development of an in situ TUNEL assay, and new immunohistochemical stains in response to the needs of specific investigators. A recent external audit of the subunit concluded that the services being provided are of extremely high quality. The Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover Subunit offers assays of bone turnover makers and serum PTH. Assays for media osteocalcin, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, in mineralizing bone cell cultures are new initiatives in the laboratory. The Bone Densitometry Subunit supports measurement of bone density by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) and by dual energy absorptiometry (PlXlmus) through an agreement with the Cell Core. The specific aims of the Core are to: 1) continue to provide the above summarized services to Center members in a coordinated and efficient manner, thereby extending the range and productivity of their work; 2) to offer training in these techniques to Center members and 3) to continue to develop and evaluate new methodologies relevant to the analysis of skeletal tissue in vivo and in vitro.