# Core C: Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core

> **NIH NIH U2C** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2020 · $186,483

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract – Core C. Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core
The primary goals and function of the Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core are to provide expert
consultation, state-of-the art equipment and technical services that are critical for the detailed metabolic and
behavioral phenotyping of mouse models of diabetes, obesity and associated disorders. A thorough
understanding of the physiological responses to nutrients and environmental factors and of the
pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to diabetes and related metabolic diseases is required if we are
to effectively combat these conditions. However, the resources and technology necessary to phenotypically
probe whole animal models of altered glucose homeostasis and metabolism at a level that reveals basic
underlying mechanisms of control are not available in most investigators' laboratories. The Metabolism,
Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core meets these needs through a comprehensive, convenient and cost-
effective menu of platforms that includes: a) Glucose homeostasis and metabolic clamps. The Core performs
hyperinsulinemic clamp studies including specialized analysis of metabolite storage and release in mice. b)
Whole animal metabolic assessment: The CLAMS and TSE indirect calorimetry systems are used to examine
metabolic rate, respiratory quotient, food consumption, and locomotor activity in mouse models. c) Body
composition measurement by NMR. d) Radiotelemetric monitoring of diurnal running wheel behavior in mice.
e) Ingestive behavior: Meal microstructure and reinforcing properties of dietary constituents are measured in
either home-cage or operant-conditioning paradigms. f) Automated blood/body fluids sampling and infusion
utilizing a Culex/Empis platform to remotely collect serial samples and infuse substances to freely behaving,
unstressed mice. g) Vertical sleeve gastrectomy model of bariatric surgery is performed in mice and
subsequent phenotyping can be performed with the combined resources of all the Cores in the Michigan
MMPC. Altogether, the Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core provides consultation and advice on
experimental design, reliable data from a range of validated assays, essential data analysis relevant to the
needs of multiple investigators and training opportunities in the established methodologies of the Core to
researchers both at the University of Michigan and throughout the country.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9972922
- **Project number:** 5U2CDK110768-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** MALCOLM James LOW
- **Activity code:** U2C (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $186,483
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9972922

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9972922, Core C: Metabolism, Bariatric Surgery and Behavior Core (5U2CDK110768-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9972922. Licensed CC0.

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