Core Research Facilities
Animal Services Module
Dr. David Pepperberg, Module Director |
312-996-4262 |
Tara Nguyen, Research Specialist |
312-996-9120 |
The Animal Services Module includes an animal surgery room on the second floor of LIERI. The module is directed by David Pepperberg, PhD, an investigator with more than 30 years of experience in the field of photoreceptor electrophysiology and biochemistry, including extensive experience with the use of experimental animals to study retinal function in vivo. Tara Nguyen provides animal handling expertise either within the laboratories of individual investigators or in the Animal Services facility which is equipped with core equipment dedicated to animal studies, including:
- LKC ElectrodJagnostic system equipped with full-field and min-ganzfeld stimulators, a recording unit, and a light-tight Faraday cage.
- Minolta LS-100 photometer and Photo Research PR650 spectrophotometer for LKC system calibration.
- Operating microscope dedicated to performing surgical procedures in animals, fundus camera, slit lamp, and laboratory microscope, and an assortment of surgical tools, instruments and supplies.
- UltraMicroPump III system for intraocular injection and delivery of agents or biomolecules to the vitreous and subretinal space.
- Syringe Pump for controlled and automated intravenous injections.
- TP-500 Gaymar Heat Pump for maintaining body temperature during animal surgery and experiments.
- Excimer laser system for controlled laser injuries and studies of corneal wound healing process.
- Iridex OcuLight TX laser for generating animal models of laser injuries.