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Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core (RHTIC)

Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core (RHTIC) is located in the College of Medicine Research Building with centralized equipment and services in one location.

Overview

Welcome to the Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core facility located in the College of Medicine Research building on the 6th floor, rooms 6100 and 6120. The lab is a fully functioning, state-of-the-art research facility providing processing, sectioning, routine and special stains for human and experimental animal tissues in addition to digital imaging and analysis. If you have histology related questions, please contact Andy Hall (arhall@uic.edu) or Patty Mavrogianis (pam@uic.edu), as we gladly welcome any interest in our histology services. For image analysis or resource scheduling related questions please contact Ryan Deaton (rdeaton@uic.edu). If you are interested in the laser capture microdissection scope please contact Dr. Vicky Macias (vmacias@uic.edu).

Histology Sub-Core (RHC)

The Histology Sub-Core offers the following services:

  • Routine histology
  • Fixation, processing, sectioning and staining
  • Immunohistochemistry including optimization of custom antibodies; Immunofluorescence of 1-3 simultaneous colors
  • Tissue sectioning for DNA and RNA extraction from tissue samples;
  • Digital photomicroscopy including immunofluorescence
  • Consultations: Assistance in designing and planning the pathology-related segment of your project; Assistance in writing pathology-related sections of grant proposals and journal articles; Microscopy slide interpretation by pathologists

Tissue Imaging Sub-Core (TISC)

The TISC has two separate microscope image analysis systems. Currently in place is the Aperio Scanscope CS and its associated Spectrum® image management and analysis system. This brightfield system allows for scanning of whole slides into one image file (around 150-350MB on average). You can visualize your digital slides on your own computer using free viewing software (ImageScope). Using tools integrated into the server-based Spectrum system, a variety of automated and semi-automated image analyses are possible including: percent positive nuclei, cytoplasmic staining intensity, colocalization, quantification of membrane staining and area of fibrosis. The TMALab® module permits efficient analysis of tissue microarrays. Analyses can be limited to specific tissue types within a sample by using the Genie® module, a machine learning tool, within Spectrum®. At present, image analysis services are provided by TISC staff on a drop-off basis.

The Vectra multispectral tissue imaging system will soon be integrated into the facility. This powerful system, which operates in either fluorescent or brightfield mode, combines machine learning capability (inForm® software) with acquisition of spectral data from each pixel in the image. This allows for removal of autofluorescence and excellent color separation, so that multiple targets can be quantified in the same image. The VectraR is not designed for full slide scanning but instead samples the tissue in a user-defined manner. The Vectra is currently available for drop off service only.

Please see the RHTIC wiki pages for staining requirements, manuals, training material and policies. After training has been completed you can schedule time on instruments using the online scheduling system.