Facilities

Currently we utilise the following technology for our research

• Biospace β IMAGER™ Camera (only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere)
• In-situ Hybridisation Gene Detection System
• Histology and Immunohistochemistry
• Noldus EthoVision Video Tracking System for Automation of Behavioural Experiments
• Ingestive, Exploratory and Social behaviour and Anxiety
• Access to Whole Room Calorimeter (only one of its kind in Southern Hemisphere)

 Biospace β IMAGER™ Camera

Biospace β IMAGER™ Camera was installed in 2003. It is a real-time imaging system displaying the status of the acquired image from the tissue sections online. Firstly, a specific radioligand is applied to tissue sections. The distribution of beta particles emerging from the tissue sections can then be directly acquired and quantified within hours. This is then followed by the process of measuring the activities in the regions of interest using the Beta Vision +TM Program (BioSpace, Paris).

Because this is a direct capture of the beta particle signals, it is significantly more accurate than the conventional film autoradiograms. Furthermore, it is at least 500 times more sensitive than traditional film autoradiograms. The Beta-Imager was acquired through funds raised by the Neuroscience Institute of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders in the Illawarra region over two years. This is the first machine of its kind available in the southern hemisphere. This machine incorporates world-leading technology that can assist us tremendously in achieving the goals of medical research.

In-Situ Hybridization Gene detection system 

This system enables the identification of the location and calculation of the levels of specific gene expression in an organ or single cell. This detection system consists of a chemical labelling system, hybridization facilities and BioRad gene detection system (BioRad, US). The relationship between disease and specific genes can be studied using this system.

Histology and Immunohistochemistry Laboratory  

This laboratory has facilities for carrying out experiments using histology and immunohistochemistry. This includes cryostat, tissue incubator and staining equipment. Cyto- and chemoarchitectures of biological specimen can be examined in this laboratory. Using these facilities, staff examines cellular nuclear protein (c-fos), various neural peptide and receptor expression in normal and diseased states. The CTN has also done nerve tracing studies for nerve innervation. Researchers at the CTN also have significant experience in studying spinal cord injury using these techniques to demonstrate nerve growth in rat model.

Noldus EthoVision Video Tracking System for Automation of Behavioural Experiments  

This facility is mainly funded by "The Clive and Vera Ramaciotte Foundations" EthoVision is a premier video tracking system for automation of behavioural tests. It can be widely used for studies in animal behaviour and behavioural neuroscience. With its rich feature set, EthoVision can automate many different test paradigms such as an open field test, foraging behavior, and social interaction etc. With powerful object detection and advanced data selection criteria, EthoVision not only automates behavioural experiments, but also provides reliable and effective (recording up to 16 animals simultaneously) data acquisition and extensive analytical abilities for research.

Ingestive, Exploratory and Social Behaviour and Anxiety 

This computerized recording system for ingestive behaviour is used to record animal eating behaviour and locomotor activity. The facility is used to test therapeutic approaches for new chemical compounds and functional food formulations influencing satiation, satiety, food craving and rewarding. CTN has facilities for testing exploratory (hole board), social behaviour and anxiety (elevated maze) in animal models.