Agilent Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzers
Both analyzers are platforms for metabolic assays, simultaneously measuring the two major energy producing pathways of the cell – mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in real-time. We have both a 24-well model (XFe24), ideal for islets and some types of organoids and a 96-well model (XFPro) is more sensitive, so ideal for cells with lower metabolic rates and/or limited size samples (i.e. primary cells). The Seahorse analyzers are located in the PCAT. We ask that users complete on-demand training provided by Agilent prior to in-person orientation with our staff. Additional information can be found here.
Blood Pressure Analysis System for Mice and Rats
The Hatteras SC1000 is a non-invasive, tail-cuff system that quickly and efficiently produces reliable mouse and rat blood pressure measurements on one animal. We have a Mouse Specimen Platform and a Rat Specimen Platform. Typically located in the Parnassus barrier facility, this equipment can be moved to other spaces for an added fee.
CLAMS (Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System)
To measure the metabolic rates from individual animal, we use a piece of equipment made by Columbus Instruments, Inc., called CLAMS. Our CLAMS unit has 16 chambers with center feeders, housed in a large enclosure with precise control over the temperature and light / dark cycle. A typical CLAMS run takes 4 days and the machine can record metabolic data for up to 16 mice simultaneously. The CLAMS is located in the barrier facility at the Parnassus campus.
DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
DXA/DEXA scanning is utilized to measure bone mineral density and tissue composition (fat mass & lean mass) in anesthetized mice. DXA offers a relatively non-invasive method to measure body composition in small rodents, and it allows us to measure the body composition changes over time. We have a Scintica iNSiGHT which offers a modern, fully shielded instrument within the PSB barrier facility, as well as a PIXImus DEXA scanner housed outside of the barrier (in the Animal Tower In-And-Out Barrier facility or MSB at Parnassus).
EchoMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
The EchoMRI-3in1 from Echo Medical System is used to precisely measure whole body composition parameters such as total body fat, lean mass, body fluids, and total body water in live mice without the need for anesthesia or sedation. With its high sensitivity, EchoMRI is ideal for assessing small alterations in mouse whole body composition as a result of genetic mutation or exposure to novel compounds.
FIMS (Food Intake Measurement System)
Two independent systems of 24 mouse center feeder cages (as in CLAMS), can monitor individually housed food intake (both cumulative amount of food eaten and bouts of feeding) with food access control (fasting, paired feeding) (Columbus Instruments).
Rodent Incubator
Experiments ranging from cold (6C) to thermoneutrality (30C) or heat exposure (40C) (Power Scientific). A maximum of 24 cages can be housed at once. Located in the Parnassus barrier faciility.
Rodent Rectal Thermometer
Physitemp microprobe with mouse-compatible rectal probe to track temperatures during cold or heat exposure. Typically located in the Parnassus barrier facility, this equipment can be moved to other spaces for an added fee.
Urine and Feces Collection from Single Mouse
Nine metabolic cages used for the efficient collection of urine and feces from a single mouse. The smaller chamber volume and collection tube design minimize evaporation. Typically located in the Parnassus barrier facility, this equipment can be moved to other spaces for an added fee.