Histology, Biomechanics, and Human Tissue Core

Overview of Services. The Histology, Biomechanics, and Human Tissue Core, at the Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research (CMDR), is supported by a COBRE award (NIGMS P20GM125503) and UAMS College of Medicine funds. The core integrates cutting edge hard tissue histology, in-vivo/ex-vivo biomechanical testing, and surgery derived human tissue bank to assist CMDR members and UAMS investigators. It offers comprehensive services, training, and consultation to support musculoskeletal research.

Histology. The core houses 2 microtomes for methyl-methacrylate sectioning, 2 for paraffin, 1 cryostat, 2 paraffin embedding stations, 2 vacuum ovens, various histology staining and offers a variety of histological services, including:

• Preparation of tissue sections using methymethacrylate embedding, paraffin embedding, or frozen sectioning. MMA embedding for non-decalcified longitudinal and cross sections. Paraffin embedding for decalcified sections.
• Histochemical stains specialized for hard tissue including Toluidine blue, Alcian blue, Von Kossa, Goldner trichrome, Safranin O, and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase.
• Provide consultation on histological techniques, reagents, and stains for specific studies.
• Self-use of microtome and cryostat by approved users following equipment-specific training.

Biomechanics. The Core is equipped with 3 Electroforce 5500 MTS and provides comprehensive mechanical testing that quantifies skeletal quality, strength, and mechano-responsiveness under physiological and pathological conditions. Offerings include three point bending of long bones, ex vivo tibial strain measurement, and in vivo dynamic tibial loading in living mice. Tail suspension cages are also available for hind-limb unloading to model disuse in mice. These assays provide definitive functional endpoints that complement cellular and molecular readouts.

Human Tissue Banking. The Core curates a growing repository of bone samples from hip arthroplasty, shoulder, and spine surgeries, paired with serum, plasma, urine, and clinical data. Specimens are processed for DNA/RNA extraction and histological analysis.

Leadership

Directors:  Jinhu Xiong, PhD, Associate Professor Jxiong@uams.edu

                  Elena Ambrogini, MD PhD, Associate Professor EAmbrogini@uams.edu

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

Technical Cores:

https://medicine.uams.edu/cmdr/cores/technical-cores/

Survey:

https://forms.office.com/r/PrwgLkhQmm

Terms & conditions

UAMS CUSTOMER TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR RESEARCH CORE FACILITIES SERVICES.

Contacts