A Confocal Microscope for the Hopkins Marine Station

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Thompson A confocal laser scanning imaging system will be used by faculty, graduate students, undergraduates and visitors to Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station. The equipment includes a Zeiss Axiovert SI00 inverted microscope and a Noran Oz confocal scanning system.This equipment will: I) Enhance ongoing faculty research, 2) Promote new research activities, 3) Promote the training of graduate and post-doctoral students in modern methods of optical microscopy in a way that will enhance their research and career development, and 4) Strengthen ongoing efforts to permit undergraduate students access to the lasted research techniques. The confocal imaging system will be used by four principle investigators to address a number of cell biological questions using methods ranging from ion imaging, sophisticated fluorescence microscopy, high resolution Nomarski DIC, to morphometry. One group is investigating the spatial and temporal aspects of second messenger signaling in neurons following the activation of surface receptors by neurotransmitters, including the dynamics of Ca2+ and NO signals. A second group is investigating the development and biophysical properties of motor systems in the squid using neuroanatomical and immunocytochemical methods. A third study focuses on the specializations of fish heater organs and cardiac cells using immunocytochemistry and antibodies specific for different isoforms of Ca pumps and myosin ATPase. The fourth group uses fluorescence imaging techniques to investigate the time course and spatial pattern of NO and Ca2+ during fertilization of the sea urchin egg. The principle investigators are addressing questions at the leading edge of their disciplines. This shared confocal microscopy center adds substantially to their ability to further their science, enhances their teaching efforts, and increases collaboration with Stanford colleagues and visitors from other institutions. This is in keeping with the role of the Hopkins Marine Station as a regional center for marine biology research.