The Histology and Imaging Core (HIC) provides self-service, service by contract, and consultation training.
Self-service access to equipment and image analysis workstation
The HIC offers training and access to the use of equipment and image analysis workstation. First time users are required to complete one-to-one necessary training and discuss standard operating procedures. Please contact Steven Zhang by email shiliang.zhang@nih.gov for requesting trainings. Several training sessions are necessary for the use of equipment whose standard operating procedures are complicated, such as use of the Miltenyi Biotec UltraMicroscope Blaze – Light Sheet Microscope, Olympus VS200 scanner, and Leica Thunder Microscope.
To schedule equipment use, sign up through the E-Calendar on the NIDA/IRP SCIC homepage (link: https://bis.nida.nih.gov/home/ Requires NIDA IRP Network Access). For rescheduling or cancellations, please email shiliang.zhang@nih.gov.
Service by contract
The HIC provides service by contract as an alternative to self-service or training, including cryosectioning, multiplex immunohistochemistry, counterstaining (DAPI, Methylene Blue, etc.), and imaging using VS200 scanner. Prior to providing a “service by contract”, the Director and Manager of the HIC have meetings with the client(s) to discuss the optimal experimental approaches required for the project. These requirements are written into a “service by contract”.
Consulting and training
The HIC provides consultation and training to IRP investigators in many aspects of (a) processing samples for light microscopy, (b) the use of the HIC equipment and computers, as well as quantification and analysis of images.
Emerging technology development
The HIC is developing emerging technology in light sheet microscopy.
Cryosectioning, Immunostaining, Mounting, and Imaging Services
Clients are responsible for providing primary antibodies. Reagents-in-kind will cover all additional consumables required for the experiments.
Fewer than 3 brain regions
- Mouse – $50/brain
- Rat – $60/brain
Whole brain
- Mouse – $80/brain
- Rat – $100/brain
RNAscope Services
Clients must supply the following reagents:
RNAscope® Multiplex Fluorescent Detection Reagents V2 (Cat. No. 323100),
including:
- RNAscope™ H₂O₂ and Protease Reagents
- RNAscope™ Multiplex Fluorescent Detection Kit v2
- RNAscope™ Target Retrieval Reagents
- RNAscope™ TSA Buffer Pack
- RNAscope™ Wash Buffer Reagents
- RNAscope® probes
- TSA fluorophores (Opal dyes: 520, 570, 690, 780, or fluorophores: 520, 570, 650)
- RNAscope® Protease III (Cat. No. 322337)
- Reagents-in-kind to cover additional consumables
Pre-RNAscope Brain Selection
Fewer than 3 brain regions
- Mouse – $40/brain
- Rat – $50/brain
Whole brain
- Mouse – $50/brain
- Rat – $60/brain
RNAscope on Selected Brains
RNAscope only
- 10-20 Sections – $100/brain
- 20-30 Sections – $150/brain
- Whole Brain – $250/brain
RNAscope + immunohistochemistry
- 10-20 Sections – $150/brain
- 20-30 Sections – $200/brain
- Whole Brain – $300/brain
Brain Clearing and Light-Sheet Microscopy
Clients provide antibodies. Reagents-in-kind cover all additional consumables.
Partial service (training and key steps)
- Mouse – $200/brain
- Rat – $300/Brain
Full service (brain clearing immunostaining, imaging)
- Mouse $600/brain
- Rat $900/brain
Training and Consultation (No reagents-in-kind required for FY26)
Benchwork training
- Cryosectioning
- Immunostaining
- Section mounting
Equipment training
- Cryostat
- VS200 Scanner
- Keyence Microscope
- Light-Sheet Microscope
