Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Thrombosis and Hemostasis
The Thrombosis and Hemostasis core lab is a new addition to VBRI’s Shared Resources and takes advantage of the expertise of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program led by Alan Mast, MD, PhD. The instrumentation and services provided by the core enable ex-vivo analyses of blood coagulation and platelet function in blood and plasma samples (VenaFlux, aggregometers, ROTEM), as well as in-vivo evaluation of blood clot formation in experimental animals (Transonic Perivascular Flow Probe, Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope).
Instrumentation and Services
Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope
The spinning disk confocal microscope is specifically designed to enable rapid, real-time, in-vivo studies of thrombosis and hemostasis in small animals. The system consists of an automated Yokogawa spinning disk confocal unit; a high-speed, high-sensitivity camera; four solid-state excitation lasers; and an ablation laser for creating thrombi via laser injury. This upright microscope can accommodate small animals and stereotaxic equipment under its vertical illuminator. This instrument is operated by staff of the Microscopic Imaging core. For access and consultation, please contact mschulte@versiti.org.
Transonic Perivascular Flow Module
The TS420 Perivascular Flow Module provides precise measurements for blood flow in-vivo animal studies. A variety of Perivascular Flowprobes are available for small and large vessel sizes. The instrument is designed to measure absolute blood flow in arteries and veins for acute and chronic thrombosis and cardiovascular research applications. Requires training.
VenaFlux
The VenaFlux system from Cellix Ltd is an in-vitro flow assay designed to recapitulate the shear stress conditions found in the vasculature. This integrated platform allows real-time observation and measurement of blood cell behavior over different substrates at varying shear rates using specially designed microcapillary flow chambers. With this instrument, scientists can investigate platelet adhesion, spreading and thrombus formation on matrix proteins at arterial shear conditions using very low volumes of blood. Microscopic observations of cells under flow conditions are accomplished using a ZEISS Axio Observer A1 Research inverted microscope with phase contrast, fluorescence and incubation configured with scanning stage, and controller for use with the Cellix VenaFlux microfluidics pump. The digitally captured images of cell adhesion, morphology and velocity are acquired using software provided by Cellix (DucoCell) and Carl Zeiss (AxioVision). Requires training.
BioData PAP-8E Aggregometer
The PAP-8E is an advanced platelet aggregometer for clinical, reference and research laboratory applications. Requires training.
Chrono-log 700 Aggregometer
The Model 700 Aggregometer provides up to four channels of platelet aggregation in either whole blood or PRP with simultaneous measurement of ATP secretion. Requires training.
ROTEM
The core maintains two of these instruments on mobile carts. The instruments use thromboelastography to measure various parameters of ex-vivo blood clot formation in whole blood or plasma. By adding various inhibitors or activators to the sample, ROTEM measures extrinsic and intrinsic (contact phase) activation of coagulation, fibrin formation, polymerization and lysis. Requires training.
Cyto-Tek 4325 Cytospin
A cytocentrifuge used to concentrate cells/platelets in a fluid sample onto a microscope slide so they can be stained and examined.