UTSW Neuro Models Facility

Overview of Services

The Neuro-Models core facility (NMF) provides specialized services for the production and testing of preclinical rodent models of neurological injury, disease, and conditions. We focus on animal surgery, motor behavior testing, in vivo electrophysiology, and select histological procedures in mice and rats. Within these areas, new services can be developed to meet client needs.

Experienced NMF personnel are available to perform procedures on behalf of clients. Optionally, client personnel can utilize our facility and/or resources after successfully completing training with NMF staff (limitations may apply).

The NMF was established in 2010 within the Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics and is an integral component of the O'Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern. Services are available to academic and non-academic clients, both internal and external to UTSW. Cost support mechanisms may exist for academic clients affiliated with the UT System as well as academic institutions located within the State of Texas.

Examples of Procedural Services:
Surgery – stroke, TBI, CNS micro-injection, CSF collection, device implantation.
Behavior tests – rotorod, grip strength, ladder walking, cylinder.
Electrophysiology – EEG, EMG.
Histology – perfusion, brain matrix, TTC staining.

The NMF can provide support letters and budget estimates for grant applications, as well as assist with project design and data analysis. We request acknowledgment (or authorship consideration, as appropriate) in all publications that utilize NMF-generated work product.

The NMF is supported in part by the Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair (TIBIR) and the Haggerty Center for Brain Injury Research in Stroke.

Leadership

Erik Plautz, Director, Neuro-Models Facility | Instructor, Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
erik.plautz@utsouthwestern.edu 

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

1. Neuro-Models Facility

Contacts