Electron
Microscopy Core
 Instrumentation
The electron microscopes are housed
in rooms B910 and B919 on the basement floor of the north
wing of the UNDSOMHS. The Imaging Center provides both conventional
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) for morphological investigations at the
level of fine structure. The instrumentation—an Hitachi
7500 TEM and an Hitachi 4700 field emission SEM—are
supported by a fully equipped microtomy laboratory for preparation
of samples for LM, SEM, and TEM observation. Instrumentation
includes a Dupont-Sorvall MT-2B, and RMC MTx and MTxl ultramicrotomes
mounted on air driven anti-vibration tables. For paraffin
microtomy, a Leica RM2125 microtome and a Reichert-Jung
Automatic Microtome Knife Sharpener are available. For SEM
sample preparation, a Denton DESK II and DESK II TSC (turbo)
sputter coaters are available, as well as a conventional
Denton DV-502A vacuum evaporator. The EM facility is open
for use by graduate and post-doctoral students,
technicians and faculty.
 Consultation
Services
Consultation regarding the feasibility of planned studies
is available. Consultants include Dr. Edward Carlson and
Dr. John Watt.
Technical
Services and Training
The EM facility provides ongoing maintenance of EM and microtomy
instruments (e.g., daily alignments, cathode filaments,
and liquid nitrogen replenishment). Technical training in
biological sample preparation for SEM and/or TEM can be
made available following consultation.
User
Responsibilities
Users of the instrumentation must be technically proficient
in the operation of the EM, based on previous experience
with, or training on, the Hitachi instruments. In addition,
users are expected to provide the expendable supplies needed
for image storage, photography, and microtomy (including
a diamond knife for ultramicrotomy—a relatively expensive
necessity at approximately $4,000).
Contact
Us
If you will be a first-time user or would like to discuss
feasibility issues, contact Dr.  Edward
Carlson (7-2101) ecarlson@medicine.nodak.edu.
For scheduling information or other questions contact Ms.
Donna Laturnus (7-3399; laturnus@medicine.nodak.edu). |
