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Microcirculation Laboratory
(B-164) |
Description:
The microcirculation laboratory in the College of Engineering at the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas was established in 1999. In microcirculation
laboratory, we perform in vivo permeability measurements on intact
single microvessels to investigate the mechanisms of microvessel permeability
related diseases such as tumor metastasis, atherosclerosis, thrombus,
osteoporosis, diabetes and edema. We use cutting-edge fluorescence
image techniques such as in vivo intracellular calcium concentration
image to explore signal transduction events. We use quantitative fluorescence
video and photometer microscopy to measure microvessel permeability
and cell migration rate change caused by mechanical, physical and
chemical stimuli. Information obtained from the experiments serves
to develop and test mathematical models of microvascular transport
based on fundamental principles of biomechanics, in order to advance
basic understanding of the normal function in the microcirculation.
The analysis forms the basis to understand various diseases from a
cellular and molecular point of view. It also provides information
to design new drugs and drug delivery methods.
| Affiliated
Faculty: |
Bingmei Fu |
| Function of Facility: |
100% research |
Major Equipment, Instrumentation and Capabilities:
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- Nikon TE 300 inverted microscope;
- InCytTM I/P-2 fluorescence imaging and photometry
system from Intracellular Imaging Inc., which includes imaging
workstation for data acquisition and analysis, InCytTM
microphotometry module (PMT housing, Hamamatsu HC-135 photon
counter, viewing ocular, iris diaphragm viewing port), excitation
illumination source (300 W compact Xenon arc illuminator
with variable intensity illumination and self contained
ultra-stable power supply), computer controlled filter changer,
340 nm and 380 nm filters, shutter, liquid light guide and
microscope interface for Nikon TE300, low light level CCD
Camera.
- Glass micropipette grinding system (PUL-1 micropipette
puller, NAR EG-400 pipette microgrinder)
- Microcannulation instrument (micromanipulators, needle
holders, micro-hydraulic drives, XY table drive)
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Major Area of Expertise:
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Molecular, Cell and Tissue Engineering
in Microcirculation
Modeling nano-micro transport phenomena in transvascular, transcelluar
and transinterstitial processes;
Structural mechanisms of acute increase of microvessel permeability;
Tumor migration and metastasis in vivo;
In vivo permeability studies on single microvessel (microperfusion,
quantitative video microscopy, fluorescence microscope photometry
and confocal microscopy, image processing);
Regulation of vessel permeability by mechanical, physical and
chemical stimuli (signal transduction, permeability studies
under physiological and pathological conditions);
Drug delivery;
Microvessel permeability and angiogenesis in bone regeneration.
Optimization in therapeudic medical device
Fluid Mechanics, Mass and Heat Transfer
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Layout (area 21’ x 16’)
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