Myography

Investigation of vascular functional responsiveness is supported by the Myography Core Facility run by a management committee of: Professor David Webb, Dr Patrick Hadoke, Ms Fiona Gulliver-Sloan and Ms Eileen Miller. The role of the Myography Core is to provide a well-regulated, self-sustaining facility supported by consistent training in relevant techniques, project planning and data interpretation.

The Core Facility ensures:

• Regular, consistent calibration of all machines.
• A structured programme of equipment service, repair, upgrading and replacement.
• Consistent training in the technique of isometric functional analysis in small and large arteries.
• Advice on project design and data interpretation and presentation.
• Financial management of the facility with regular invoicing.
• A booking system for access to machines to improve project management.

The myography team has extensive expertise in functional analysis of conduit and resistance vessels, from animals and humans, for investigation of vascular physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. The facility is situated in the East Lab (E3.17) on the third floor of The Queen’s Medical Research Institute and consists of four 4-chamber DMT-myographs with computerised Powerlab data acquisition systems: two myographs are set-up for wire-mounting of small diameter (>500m) vessels and two for hook-mounting larger vessels. Use of individual myographs can be hired at a daily rate (reduced rates are available for staff who provide equipment for the core) that includes provision of gases and physiological salt solutions. Training is essential for individuals unfamiliar with the technique and can be provided by the core staff. Current rates for equipment hire and training can be obtained from Dr Hadoke (Room C3.03, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute; 0131 242 6742) or Ms Eileen Miller.

Future plans for the facility include:

• Increasing the availability of organ chamber equipment for functional analysis of large vessels.
• Providing access to perfusion-based pressure myography.
• Seeking to extend the core to include facilities for electrophysiological or confocal analysis of arteries during functional investigation.

To date, the myography core has been used for projects by Post-doctoral scientists, PhD students, undergraduate honours projects and visiting scientists. Further details can be obtained from Dr Hadoke or Ms Miller.