CORE--ANIMAL BREEDING AND SURGICAL FACILITY

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Description: (Taken directly from the application) The Microsurgical Core (Core B) plays a central role in the strategies for achieving the specific objectives of this Program. All projects depend on the technical expertise of the Core B facility and this technical expertise is the foundation for the Program. As this Program was originally organized, it became obvious to all the investigators that in order for them to pursue studies in the area of renal transplantation, each would have to train one or two transplant technicians, equip surgical stations, and maintain populations of animals independently. By combining efforts in a Program Project that provided a core laboratory for maintaining animals and performing renal transplant surgery, a tremendous amount of money and effort could be saved. The numerous ongoing collaborations, the enthusiasm for the pursuit of studies in the area of transplantation and the legitimate need for the development of a Core facility provided the impetus for the original development of this Program Project. These circumstances have persisted and in fact the enthusiasm and demand for the Core services have steadily increased. The primary role of the Microsurgical Core facility continues to be providing mouse transplants to Project investigators. For the current proposal, the core will provide both kidney and heart transplants. This Core also provides capabilities for measuring renal transplant function as specified within the individual proposals. The techniques for transplantation and the experimental utilization of transplanted animals is described in detail in the individual Project proposals. The personnel and facilities have been described above in the justification. In brief, Dr. Coffman will have responsibility for managing the Core and Mr. Best and Mr. Griffiths will aid Dr. Coffman in the management of the facility. Quality control is monitored within the Core by the transplant technicians, the veterinary staff and Dr. Coffman. Prioritization is determined among the Project investigators and coordinated by the transplant technicians. The projected use of this facility over the first year is depicted in Distribution of Core Unit Costs Among Research Projects.