Dermatopathology Core

The mission of the SScores Dermatopathology Core is to provide a full array of skin pathology services related to research questions in human systemic sclerosis and murine models, including routine histological stains, provision of existing and development of new immunohistochemical stains, and application of emerging technical advances, to submitted and existing biosamples in the Core.

 PI – Jag Bhawan, MD

Contact
Salma Goummih 617.638.5569 sgoummih@bu.edu

Dermatopathology Fee Schedule

Embedding formalin-fixed skin Sectioning paraffin block H&E Stain IHC Stain Special Stain
Human sample associated with MRSS/clinical data;
sample remainder donated to core for future use.		 No cost Up to 5 unstained slides
at no cost		 Up to 1 at
no cost		 Up to 1 at
no cost		 Up to 1 at no cost
Human sample not associated with MRSS/clinical data;
not being donated for future use.		 $5/sample $2/slide $2/slide $15/slide $7.50/slide
Mouse sample $5/sample $2/slide $2/slide $15/slide $7.50/slide
Embedding tissue into frozen block Sectioning frozen block H&E Stain IHC Stain Special Stain
Human sample associated with MRSS/clinical data;
sample remainder donated to core for future use.		 No cost Up to 5 unstainedslides at no cost Up to 1 at no cost Up to 1 at no cost Up to 1 at no cost
Human sample not associated with MRSS/clinical data;
not being donated for future use.		 $10/sample $20/slide $5/slide $25/20 slide

(In house control/
Control provided by investigator)

 

 $18 slide
Mouse sample $10/sample $20/slide $5/slide $15/slide $7.50/slide

Click here to download the Dermatopathology Request Form
First-time Request Forms should be accompanied by a User – Core Interaction Agreement
Click here to learn how to prepare fresh frozen tissue to fixed tissue sections.

When submitting samples, biopsies should be immediately fixed in winterized formalin. This can be purchased commercially, http://www.statlab.com/product/neutral-buffered-formalin-5-alcohol or made (2700 mL of 36.5% formaldehyde, 1500 mL alcohol, 1500 mL water).

Antibodies Currently Available for Immunohistochemical (IHC) Staining

Antibody Clone Manufacturer
Smooth Muscle Actin 1A4 Dako
Von Willebrand Factor F8/86 Dako
CD163 10D6 Novocastra
P300 C-20 Santa Cruz Biotechnology
THY-1/CD90 EPR3132 Abcam
CD68 KP1 Dako
CD31 JC70A Dako
PDGFR-B 28E1 Cell Signaling
P75/NGFR NGFR5 Abcam

We can also work with any other antibodies not listed to develop staining protocols.

Dermpath2

This core will provide uniform processing of skin samples from various investigators. We have a well established method of preparing 8 skin samples in one block to save costs as well as avoid variability of staining between samples. We have state of the art automated equipment for routine histopathology and immunopathology needs. The lab is equipped with a photomicroscope with a digital camera which can make excellent photomicrographs. Our image analysis system can evaluate various parameters in an objective manner.

In addition to routine histopathology, immunostaining with any antibody can be performed. The director has tremendous experience with various antibodies including SMA, CD31, lymphocyte markers, CD34, and cathepsin k, most relevant to this field.

Stain and interpret human and murine skin sectionsPicture2

  • a. Process and stain pathologic specimens. 8-sample skin arrays analyzed by histochemistry or IHC for novel proteins, and connective tissues, vascular and immune markers per request of Core Investigators.
  • b. Evaluate and interpret staining.

Histochemical or immunohistochemical staining intensity will be evaluated using semi-quantitative methods or by image analysis for quantification of staining.  Other relevant clinical information including autoantibodies, duration of disease, etc. will be available and used for correlation studies.

Develop a database of staining. A database of staining patterns (cell numbers or intensities) will be developed for correlating changes across studies

Develop new technologies. We will develop microdissection followed by microarray

Click here to view the Skin Pathology Standard Operating Procedures