Musculoskeletal Histology and Morphometry Core

Form and function are intimately interrelated. However, the histological analyses of our target tissues (bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle) provide specialized challenges not often encountered when conducting these techniques on non-skeletal tissues. For example, due to the extensive extracellular matrix, these tissues can be very difficult to prepare and section, and bone presents a particular challenge due to mineralization. A specialized knowledge of the stages of development, and limb and joint morphology is necessary for the analysis of skeletal tissues. In addition to morphology, the localization of proteins and mRNA in mouse models of musculoskeletal diseases is a vital component in the analysis of the molecular mechanism of protein function, the response to injury, and disease. The overall objective of the Histology and Morphometry Core is to provide histological services, training and support for the identification and analysis of molecular phenotypes of our target tissues, bone, cartilage, muscle, tendon and ligament, in developing adult mice and other model organisms, as well as patient samples.

Service available to Washington University and other non-profit organizations.

Priority service for Washington University only.

Additional information:

Investigators from outside of Washington University please contact the core before submitting samples.​

• Preparation of tissues and tissue sections using paraffin embedding, methymethacrylate embedding, or frozen sectioning, including non-decalcified frozen sections for laser capture or immunostaining
• Specialized histochemical stains including (but not limited to) alcian blue, von Kossa, Goldner trichrome, safranin O, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
• Training for bone histomorphometry and access to Bioquant histomorphometry system
• Consultation on histological techniques and choice of reagents for specific studies
• Use of microtome by approved users following equipment-specific training

• BioQuant Osteo 2021 Histomorphometry System
• Leica inverted microscope with confocal and slide scanning
• Leica CM 1950 Manual Cryostat
• Thermo Scientific HistoStar Embedding Center
• Leica RM2255

Pricing is subject to core verification

All requests for Core services and equipment scheduling is now available through iLab!

https://wustl.ilabsolutions.com/account/login

Blocks (per block):
Paraffin Processing $10.00
Decal-reprocess $24.00
Plastic embedding $44.00

Frozen Sections:
Frozen section $4.72/ coverslip without prior stain $1.57
Non-decalcified frozen section $15.72
Frozen section on film (eg for laser capture) $15.72

Slides (per slide):
Paraffin section $2.15
Plastic section $12.25
Frozen Section $4.72
micro/orientation fee 50% extra/section
H & E stain $7.85
Special stains $12.15
Deplast.+coverslip $4.95

Immunostain:
Please inquire

Supplies:
large box (100) $6.60
small box (25) $4.13
microtome blades (ea) $1.80
Slides (box of 100) $24.75

EDTA Decalcification Solution (1 Liter free if the samples will be submitted to the core for processing
$30.00/Liter otherwise)

Surcharges/ Discounts:
Priority service fee 50%
Core Member discount 33%