Neuroscience Services

Core Services

Administrative Services

Neuroscience Services

- Microscopy Imaging
- Neurochemistry
- Sci. Instrumentation
- Mouse Phenotyping
- Mouse Gene Targeting
- Molec. Neuroanatomy
- Human Imaging
- Psychophysiology

Statistics and Methodology Services

Clinical Assessment and Phenotyping Services

Participant Recruitment and Assessment

User Satisfaction

Neuroscience Services

Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Director
phone: (615) 936-1074
8130A MRB III

Overview

Objectives are to provide investigators with core facilities and services to support biomedical research; to facilitate interdisciplinary neuroscience collaborations; and to provide access to emerging technologies.


Confocal and Light Microscopy Imaging
7149 MRB III
Faculty Coordinator: Sam Wells, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and Managing Director of Cell Imaging Shared Resource

This core service is provided within Vanderbilt's Cell Imaging Shared Resource. Facilities include standard light microscopes and image analysis equipment and a new Zeiss LSM510 confocal microscope.

Services:

  • Training in use of the Zeiss confocal microscope.
  • Core-supported use of confocal microscope.
  • Training and assistance in image analysis and reconstruction.
  • Assistance with experimental design for imaging studies.
  • Web-based scheduling system facilitates investigator access.

    • Facility Web site
    Core Manager: Robert Matthews
    Contact director: Sam Wells

     

    Neurochemistry
    6141 MRB III
    Faculty Coordinator: Randy Blakely, Ph.D., Allan D. Bass Chair in Pharmacology, Professor of Pharmacology, Director of Center for Molecular Neuroscience

    Joint facility operated by Kennedy Center and Center for Molecular Neuroscience.

    Neurochemistry Services:

  • Assays of neurotransmitter concentrations in brain tissue.
  • Assays of biogenic amines in blood samples.
  • Measurement of radioactive precursor incorporation.
  • Training in HPLC methods for measurement of neurotransmitters and other neurochemicals.
  • Custom analytical assays for bioactive agents/drugs.

    • Neurogenomics Services

  • Processing of DNA samples for single nucleotide polymorphism discovery.
  • DNA extractions and analysis.

    • For more detailed information and price list, click here.

    Ray Johnson, Core Manager, 322-4496

     

    Scientific Instrumentation
    B027 Hobbs Building
    Faculty Coordinator: Jeffrey Schall, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Director of Vanderbilt Vision Science Research Center, Director of Center for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience

    Services:
    Design and construction of specialized scientific research equipment:

  • Electronic equipment with customized interfaces.
  • Electromechanical and other research equipment such lathe-produced replacement fittings, unique valve assemblies for perfusion studies.
  • Equipment for use in human EEG experiments, in vivo electrophysiological recordings, and behavioral studies.
  • Fabrication of fMRI-related apparatus for almost any sort of human or animal testing.

    • View detailed description of Vision Research Center (shared core service)
    Bruce Williams, Core Manager, 322-0074


    Mouse Behavioral Phenotyping Facility
    861-865 PRB
    Faculty Coordinator: Danny Winder, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology, and Biophysics

    Joint facility operated by Kennedy Center and Center for Molecular Neuroscience; houses a full range of mouse behavioral equipment.

    Services:

  • Trains investigators and research staff to use behavioral equipment.
  • Provides consultation in designing most appropriate tests to use a specific experiment
  • Assists in using data analytic tools.
  • Offers new capacity in polysomnography.

    • Facility Web site
    John Allison, Ph.D., Core Manager, 322-0794



    Molecular Neuroanatomy Facility
    6121, 8113 MRB III
    Faculty Coordinator: Aurea Pimenta, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology

    Shared facility with Center for Molecular Neuroscience.

    Services:

  • Provides equipment, methodology consultation, and reagents that assist in the introduction of transgenes for transient transfection, and in the localization of transgene and endogenous gene products.

    • Aurea Pimenta, Ph.D., Faculty Coordinator, 936-3864
    See more information about the Molecular Neuroanatomy Facility


    Human Imaging Facility and Service
    Services provided by the Clinical Research and Phenotyping Services Core.
    See more information about Human Imaging Facility and Service


    Psychophysiology Services
    Services provided by the Clinical Research and Phenotyping Services Core.
    See for more information about Psychophysiology Services