Intravital microscopy system for observations on the peripheral vasculature in situ

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

I have a growing NSERC program in the investigation into peripheral vascular function especially as it applies to skeletal muscle function and active hyperemia.  I also have very productive collaborations with Dr. Anne Croy at Queens' University, fostered by joint NSERC and CIHR funding (CHRP), Dr. Alistair Summerlee, and Dr. Pat Wright, all of which are using microscopy to answer NSERC funded research questions and train highly qualified personel.     The current equipment request is for an intravital microscopy system including an upright Olympus microscope modified for intravital microsopy, a camera for image acquisition, and a stereomicroscope necessary for microsurgery.  This equipment, coupled with equipment to be bought with the last of my start up funds will allow for the construction of a second microscopy station.  This microscope configuration already exists in my laboratory and this request is for a much needed, second microscopy system with a similar configuration.     The reasons for requesting this equipment is to maintain and grow my current program, to foster current collaborations and be able to accommodate new collaborations. Experiments average 5-6 hours and the current microscopy unit is being used for 3 experiments per day, therefore from approximately 15-18 hours per day.  Such heavy use comes from the 3 graduate students currently being trained in my lab, with prospects of increasing this number with very talented graduate students and students from very productive collaborations. The growth of my current program, the sustainability of collaborations and the possibility for future collaborations depend on the ability to construct a second microscopy system.