The Histology Core Facility incorporates the study and analysis of morphological and functional changes in tissues and provides a better understanding of the mechanisms of cancer. It allows to preserve the tissues taken from a patient or an animal via the embedding (paraffin or OCT on frozen samples), the cutting and staining of the latter and is equipped with automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis systems. It also allows image acquisition, laser microdissection and the generation of tissue microarrays.

Services offered:

• Detailed macroscopic description, specimen digitalization and sample identification
• Access to PathStand 40 Gross Dissection Imaging System (SPOT Imaging Solutions)
• Cryostatic cuts, to obtain a rapid diagnosis or solve fixation problems threatening the integrity of cellular constituents
• Tissue fixation, paraffin coating, microtome cutting and routine coloration – the first steps in the process of microscopic tissue examination
• Histochemistry and special colorations to better identify certain constituents of the cell and extracellular matrix (list of colorations available upon request)
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) (Antibody catalogue frequently updated and available upon request)
• Creation of tissue microarrays (TMA) allowing analysis of several hundred tissue samples simultaneously
• Access to MTA-1 (Beecher)
• Laser microdissection to isolate a sub-population of cells within a complex tissue environment and undertake more precise studies (e.g., search for mutations)
• Access to PALM MicroBeam (Zeiss)
• Image acquisition and analysis to better document the lesions present in histological preparations through the automated quantification of immunohistochemical markers.
• Access to Visiopharm, quantitative digital pathology analysis
• Microscopic analysis by a pathologist of tissues from human, mouse and any other experimental systems to interpret the results from histological cuts and other techniques
• Digitalization of the cuts and virtual microscopy, making it possible to store data and share information, as well as facilitate the consultation, archiving and future study of macroscopic and microscopic lesions. MAC/PC compatible.
• Access to NanoZoomer 2.0-HT (Hamamatsu)

Complete the form, save a PDF copy of this form and send it to marianne.issac@umontreal.ca. Print a paper copy that you’ll bring with your samples.