Microdialysis Core Laboratory

The Microdialysis Core Laboratory is located at the M.S. Hershey Medical Center Campus and performs a wide variety of blood, urine and interstitial fluid tests for clinical research investigators using the GCRC. The laboratory uses a novel microdialysis technique applied to skeletal muscle of human subjects that allows for the measurement of organic compounds in the interstitial space. The method is based on the principal of diffusion through a semi-permeable membrane. This allows for investigation of discrete local tissue function directly at the cellular level. The microdialysis technique is suitable for research involving local metabolism, endocrinology, toxicology, pharmacology, drug delivery and neurotransmission. This Core laboratory also performs tests on whole blood (blood gases, ionized calcium), tests for the presence of nitric oxide and cyclic AMP and tests in serum and urine for catecholamines and other neurotransmitters using High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The Core Laboratory also works with clinical investigators to develop new ELISA tests in blood, urine, interstitial fluid and tissue homogenates as the need arises.

Immunomodulation Core Laboratory

The GCRC Immunomodulation Core Laboratory is located at the University Park Campus and has the capability of assaying human blood (plasma, serum, whole blood spots) and tissue specimens. The assays currently available for GCRC users are as follows:

(ELISA):CRP, GP130, IFNg, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-1 ra, IL-1 sRII, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-6 sR, IL-7, IL-8, leptin, MIF, TNF-a, TNF sRI, cortisol (immunohistochemistry): skin (VIP, CGRP, Subst. P); muscle (IL-10, CDIIb, TNF-a, IGF-1, IGF-11, FGF-2, dMHC, P-selectin) (western blot): IkB, NFkB

The GCRC Immunomodulation Core Laboratory also will be happy to work with researchers to develop new assays depending on projected usage.