Principal Investigator:

Patrick M. Kochanek, MD

Co-Investigator:

C. Edward Dixon, PhD

We operate core facilities that perform the necessary procedures related to animal modeling and outcome assessment for the University of Pittsburgh Brain Trauma Research Center Program Project Grant (PPG). The facilities are used by the principal investigators involved in the individual projects of the PPG. The core facilities address the following:

1. Provide a centralized facility for surgery and anesthesia for all of the proposed experimental manipulations of mice and rats within the PPG.
2. Provide uniform injury for all studies in mice and rats in the PPG (controlled cortical impact [CCI] model and CCI model with secondary insult), and ensure consistency by performing quality control analysis.
3. Provide a centralized facility for the standardized assessment of functional outcome parameters (motor and cognitive) within the PPG.
4. Provide a centralized facility for the standardized assessment of histological outcome parameters (contusion volume and hippocampal neuron counting) within the PPG.
5. Facilitate interaction between the principal investigators within the PPG, and facilitate interaction with collaborating investigators at the Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research (Carnegie Mellon University).
6. Provide standardized hypothermia regimen for all studies using this therapy in rats in the PPG.

The successful execution of these specific aims provide for optimal resource utilization by the investigators including the use of (1) technician time, (2) laboratory space, (3) equipment, (4) supplies, (5) animals, and (6) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) time. At the same time, quality control is ensured for all of the studies in mice and rats, and a structured environment for interaction between the principal investigators within the PPG is provided.