ABSTRACT The Analytical Services Core The Analytical Services Core is based on the former Histology, Microscopy & Imaging Core, whose functions and equipment have been expanded. Yet, the goal of the Core remained the same, which is to enhance the capabilities of individual vision research laboratories by enabling them to conduct studies that require understanding the ocular tissue structure and function in normal and pathological conditions as well as upon pharmacologic treatments. This goal is accomplished by providing the resources and expertise for histology, microscopy, and mass spectrometry services as well as access to the tissue culture equipment. The Core also offers an incentive (vouchers) for using state-of-the art technologies at the Case Western Reserve University Cores. The histology services of the Core prepare in a timely fashion cryo or paraffin sections of eyes and mounts them on slides for histo/immunohistochemistry analyses. If requested, routine histological stains are also performed. The microscopy services of the Core help investigators acquire and produce publication quality images or videos from histological slides, fixed or live cells. The mass spectrometry services of the Core provide an equipment, support in experiment design, and training on quantitative analyses of pharmaceutical molecules, metabolites, and proteins. All tissues culture equipment, which was previously available through the Tissue Culture and Hybridoma Core, still remains available through the Analytical Services Core. Finally, access to state-of-the art technologies at the University cores is encouraged via vouchers that help offset some of the cost of these services. A physical space, resources, and expertise of the Core, operated and supervised by highly experienced personnel, serve as the basis for the following Specific Aims: 1) to process, embed, and section eyes followed by section mounting on slides and staining (if requested); 2) to guide users in the proper dissection, fixation and staining techniques, thus ensuring the production of high quality histological specimens; 3) to provide access to the Core’s microscopes along with training and consultation in all aspects of a microscopy-based experiments; 4) to provide access to and training on the use of Metamorph and microscope-specific imaging software to properly analyze and generate relevant data from images; 5) to assist in production of publication quality images and/or videos; 6) to provide access to and training on the use of a mass spectrometer to detect or quantify molecules of interest; 7) to provide access to the tissue culture equipment and incentive for use of the University Core facilities for the services that are currently unavailable at the P30 grant Cores. The former Histology, Microscopy & Imaging Core had the heaviest usage of all P30 grant Cores. Hence we expect that the Analytical Services Core will have usage at the same or higher levels and continue assisting VSRC invest...