Animal Models Core

Purpose of the Core

The Animal Models Core (AMC) provides specialized expertise in the use of animal models and state-of-the-art instrumentation to facilitate animal research related to nutrition and obesity. The AMC is a unique resource for investigators with services and resources offered not available elsewhere on campus.

The Specific Aims of the Core are:

1. To provide expertise in the use of animals models for nutrition/obesity research;
2. To provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodology for the determination of energy balance (food intake, energy expenditure, activity, and core body temperature);
3. To provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and methodology for the determination of body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, quantitative magnetic resonance, and microcomputed tomography);
4. To provide cost-efficient services to Core users; and 
5. To promote interactions among investigators and to provide training in animal models and phenotyping methods.

Facilities and Resources Supported by Animal Models Core :

CORE SERVICES: Energy expenditure and body composition in small animals Indirect calorimetry for energy expenditure and substrate utilization Direct carcass analysis (fat, fat-free dry mass, water, ash) Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for measurement of regional or whole body bone, fat, and soft lean tissue in small animals Micro-computed tomography for the assessment of regional body composition and bone mineral. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps studies in mice

• UAB Transgenic Mouse Facility: www.uab.edu/medicine/genetics/uab-transgenic-mouse-facility
  
• Aquatic Animal Research Core: www.norc.uab.edu/corefacilities/animalmodels/aquatic