The University of California San Diego (UCSD) Animal Care Program is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for researchers requiring animal models. Through its specialized facilities and expert staff, the program offers a broad spectrum of services, from diagnostic evaluations to advanced phenotyping, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific rigor.
Diagnostic Services Laboratory
The Diagnostic Services Laboratory at UC San Diego is a crucial resource for researchers needing in-depth clinical and morphologic pathology services. This laboratory supports a wide range of research needs, including phenotype characterization, safety and toxicology testing, and specialized tests for individual animal models. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in colony and individual animal health diagnostics and care. Operating on a cost-recovery basis, the laboratory ensures accessibility for researchers. A veterinary pathologist oversees the experienced laboratory technicians, guaranteeing expert management and analysis. While possessing a large in-house capability, the laboratory also strategically utilizes established external reference laboratories to expand its service offerings when necessary.
Mouse Phenotyping Core
For researchers working with genetically altered mice, the UC San Diego Mouse Phenotyping Core offers specialized histopathology analysis and interpretation. This service is invaluable for understanding the impact of genetic modifications on mouse models, providing critical insights for research outcomes.
Behavioral and Metabolic Testing
The Animal Care Program also provides a Phenotyping Core focused on behavioral and metabolic testing. This core assists researchers in achieving their research goals by offering a range of testing paradigms. Services include testing itself, training for researchers to conduct their own tests, and equipment rental, all available on a recharge basis. This comprehensive support system empowers researchers to thoroughly investigate behavioral and metabolic phenotypes in their animal models.
Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory
Beyond rodent models, the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory at UC San Diego serves as an international reference center specializing in neuromuscular diseases affecting companion animals. This self-supporting laboratory employs full-time Staff Research Associates who are experts in diagnostic clinical and research testing on muscle and nerve biopsy specimens. The laboratory also conducts serological assays for diagnosing canine and feline myasthenia gravis. Moreover, it maintains an extensive tissue archive of frozen and embedded muscle and nerve specimens, representing a valuable resource for the research community. The laboratory extends its expertise through consultations and collaborations with investigators utilizing rodent models of neuromuscular disease, fostering broader advancements in the field.
For detailed information regarding these services, please contact:
Veterinary Pathologist: 858-534-8860 or [email protected]
Diagnostic Services Laboratory: 858-534-4264 or [email protected], [email protected]
