Operating Microscope System for Translational Research in Regenerative and Transplant Medicine
Abstract
The proposed equipment is a multi-functional operating microscope (Zeiss OPMI Vario/S88)used for small vascular and nerve reconstruction covering neuro, ENT, plastic & reconstructiveapplications. In addition to clinical utilities, the operating microscope is important equipment fortissue regeneration and transplantation research using small animal models such as rodents.Advances in microsurgical techniques made possible to model complex human biologicprocesses, from tissue regeneration to transplantation, in rodents. These surgical models haveprovided valuable insights into mechanisms of tissue regeneration and pathogenesis ofallotransplant rejection and development of potential therapies. However, the techniques neededto perform these surgical procedures, particularly vascularized transplantation in mice, requirenot only well-trained microsurgeons, but also highly specialized equipment such as the proposedoperating microscope as calibers of blood vessels and nerves are extremely small in mice. Givencurrent interest in regeneration medicine and human extremity transplantation, we have recentlycreated a joint research program with aims to characterize novel rodent models of extremitytransplantation, to determine the immunological mechanisms operating in such an experimentalmodel and to develop novel therapies that could be potentially translated into treatment forhuman patients. The Microsurgical Core at Northwestern University (NU) has served many NUinvestigators with > 6000 murine transplant models (>90% success rate) and provides theexpertise allowing the development to develop these labor intensive procedures. We believe thatthe proposed operating microscope will significantly enhance our research and educationcapabilities in 1) assisting current DoD funded projects (Galiano), 2) expanding current ourbioengineering strategies to investigate stem cell applications using federally approved humanand rodent embryonic stem cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells to generate engineeredorgans/tissues, 3) generating preliminary data on limb allotransplant (VCA) for next DoD grantapplications, and 4) helping for other federally funded research programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712319
Entities
People
- Zheng Jenny Zhang
Organizations
- Northwestern University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy