The Bio-mechanism and Research Models (BRM) Core provides support to health disparities research through instrumentation, in vitro, and in vivo models. We will continue developing project-specific use cases and standard operating protocols to serve new investigators better through interaction with the Admin Core and the Investigator Development Core (IDC) for dissemination (workshops and seminars) and through email and a dedicated website. Specifically, we provide training and use of the following equipment:
Bio-mechanism and Research Models (BRM)
BRM Rodent Behavioral Core (RBC)
Operational Procedures
- Investigators willing to utilize the Core will be advised to contact the core leads to discuss optimal study designs, feasibility for core use, and costs of testing.
- Most projects will be initially conducted as scientific collaborations or fee for service. The core will only provide scientific and/or technical guidance/directions but will not provide technicians, animals, drugs, or supplies for pilot or full-scale experiments.
- Investigators are responsible for their Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols for any experiments, but the core lead can help.
- Use of RBC equipment is in general free for NCCU internal investigators with IACUC approval. Fees may be applied for external users.
| Behavioral Function | Available Tests |
|---|---|
| Learning and Memory | Morris Water Maze Task, Novel Object Recognition Test, Barnes Maze, Radial Maze, Operant Touchscreen Tests |
| Anxiety | Open Field Activity, Elevated Plus Maze, Light/Dark Preference |
| Motor Function | Locomotor Activity, Rotorod, Treadmill activity, Paw Grip Test |
| Pain/Analgesia | Hot Plate Sensitivity |
| Addiction | Conditioned Place Preference (for Drug or Food), Progressive Ratio Testing for Food |
| Depression | Forced Swim Test, Tail Suspension Test, Sucrose Preference Test, Learned Helplessness, Social Defeat |
| Social Interaction | Social Hierarchy-Tube, Dominance Test Instrument, Social Reward Chamber |
Location: The NCCU Animal Research Complex (ARC) at the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Institute (JLC-BBRI)
Contact for Use of the RBC:
- Dr. Somnath Mukhopadhyay, Co-Lead, BRM (919-530-7762; [email protected])
- Dr. Qing Cheng Co-Lead, BRM (919-530-5416; [email protected])
- Dr. Derek Norford, Co-Lead, BRM (919-530-7023; [email protected])
Animal Resources Complex
The Animal Resources Complex (ARC) is a centralized facility providing services to ensure the humane care and treatment of animal models. The goal of the ARC is to provide high-quality animal care services in support of research and training.
Veterinary Care and Technical Services:
- Animal and veterinary care governed by mandates of federal regulations overseeing humane animal care and use
- Rodent facilities with near-barrier housing to ensure biocontainment and a quality occupational health safety program
- Surveillance program to maintain the health status of rodent colonies
- Veterinary oversight to ensure colony health and well-being
- Breeding colony management and maintenance
- Veterinary consultation on animal models, surgical care, anesthesia, and analgesia
- Collection of clinical and tissue samples plus compound and drug administrations
Specialized Facilities:
- Rodent housing in vented cages and quarantine areas
- Surgery facilities with anesthesia plus scavenging equipment
- Necropsy/procedure suite with biological safety cabinets
- In-vivo rodent imaging equipment
- Zebrafish housing facilities with embryo spawning chambers for high-volume breeding
- VAST Biolmager and Daniovision Tracking System with Ethiovision for chemical/toxicology studies using zebrafish larvae
- Capabilities to support rodent and adult zebrafish behavioral studies
Contact Us
Felton, Camilla F
Research Operations Manager
Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute
Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute (BBRI), Room 006
919-530-7002