Imaging, Histology and Functional Diagnostics Core

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Summary/Abstract The broad goals of this Core are to provide facilities for vision scientists at Columbia University. Resources are provided for imaging, histology and electroretinographic recording. The module is administered so as to ensure equipment access, technical support and personnel training. The availability of shared state-of-the-art equipment and facilities operated by trained and highly qualified technicians with oversight by vision faculty substantially increases the quality and quantity of achievements earned by research programs. Productive functioning of these core facilities will i) facilitate collaborative efforts; ii) enable the tackling of gaps in our knowledge that require multiple areas of expertise; enhance the productivity of ongoing research making research funds more profitable; and enable the development of new research strategies. The clustering of clinically applicable instruments with in the Core enhances interactions between research and clinical faculty and encourages translational research. The availability of the resources of the Core is also an advantage when recruiting new faculty. The core provides training for students and postdoctoral associates in in vivo eye imaging using modalities of short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence, near-infrared fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Training in tissue processing and sectioning for histological analysis is also made available as is training in electroretinographic (ERG) recording of visual function. The Core supports a clinical grade animal-dedicated confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg) equipped for short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (AF), near-infrared fundus autofluorescence, angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Two new high resolution Bioptigen SD-OCT (Envisu R2210 and R4310) enable non-contact in vivo SD-OCT imaging of the eye in animal models. This capability will advance investigations of cornea, tear film, lens, glaucoma and retinal structure in both the diseased and healthy eye. The instruments enable the study of animal models of disease in parallel with human subjects research. The core maintains 3 instruments for ERG testing. These machines are used to test the function of retinal pigment epithelium (bleach protocol, c-wave), photoreceptors (scotopic and photopic serial intensities), and retinal ganglion cells in rodents. Skilled personnel under the direction of Dr. Sparrow manage day to day activities including training in the use of the instruments. Reserving and tracking of usage time and scheduling of maintenance together with other day- to-day activities are managed by iLAB software.