Comparative Pathology Core (CPC)

The Comparative Pathology Core Laboratory (CPCL) provides a wide range of services with the mission to aid investigators using preclinical models.  Our major areas of service include clinical diagnostic, necropsy, and histology laboratories and research support from four board-certified veterinary pathologists.

• Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory: Hematology, serology, bacteriology, parasitology, coagulation panels, blood chemistries (standard plus specialized assays such as insulin, leptin, bile acid, alpha-fetoprotein, testosterone, estrogen, and FSH), mouse sperm analysis, and molecular diagnostics (PCR)
  
• Necropsy Laboratory: Full necropsy service, whole body perfusion, tissue collection, training investigators in necropsy and tissue collection techniques
  
• Histology Laboratory: Full range of histology services, special histochemistry stains (~30 stains), immunohistochemistry (~300 assays), In situ hybridization, multiplex labeling, frozen sections, custom IHC/ISH assay development, whole slide scanning 
• Pathologists: Histopathology evaluations, consultation on model development, image and immunohistochemistry analysis support, laser capture microdissection 

The Comparative Pathology Core Laboratory (CPCL) at St. Jude provides expert, readily available and affordable research pathology support. Our goal is to support interdisciplinary research that uses animal models to study the pathogenesis of pediatric cancers as well as metabolic and infectious diseases, in evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of experimental therapeutic compounds, and in determining the functions of specific genes and gene products (transgenic and knockout mouse technology). The CPCL staff includes four ACVP board-certified veterinary pathologists with extensive experience in comparative pathology, and certified histology and clinical laboratory technicians. State-of-the-art facilities support complete necropsy, histology, and immunohistochemistry services and include a fully equipped clinical pathology laboratory that provides hematology, clinical chemistry, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, and microbiology testing services.

CPCL Necropsy Service

• Gross examination and sample collection in various laboratory animal species
• Interpretation of findings and preparation of reports
• Consultation with research personnel as needed
• Comprehensive macroscopic and microscopic examinations
• Emphasis on phenotypic characterization of genetically engineered mice
• Use of downdraft tables, whole-body perfusion fixation pumps, and camera setups
• Experienced necropsy personnel for various animal species

CPCL Histology Laboratory

• Routine and advanced histology services
• Custom immunohistochemistry services
• Preparation and staining of paraffin-embedded and frozen sections
• Standard and advanced histochemistry and immunohistochemistry
• mmunohistochemical assay development
• Laser capture microdissection
• Whole-slide scanning and image analysis
• Expert pathologists for interpretation of morphological changes and lesions
• Knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology in various animal models
• Assistance in selecting appropriate animal model systems and experimental pathology assays
• Support for model development, validation, experimental design, sample collection, fixation, and data interpretation
• Consultation and training with multiheaded microscopy and photomicrographic equipment