The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) at the University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive resource for the phenotypic characterization of mouse models pertaining to the study of diabetes and its complications. The Center is one of four MMPCs supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIDDK). Our mission is to advance medical and biological research by providing the scientific community with standardized, high quality metabolic and physiologic phenotyping services for mouse models of diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity and related disorders. We specialize in the immunological aspects of Type I diabetes, measurement of various glucose and lipid metabolism parameters relevant to Type II diabetes as well as diabetic complications such as heart disease and obesity. The MMPC comprises three service cores offering a variety of tests and assays:

1)

Lipid and glucose metabolism: Directed by Drs. Patrick Tso and David D’Alessio, this core offers a variety of in vivo and in vitro tests as well as assays of plasma hormones and substrates. Tests include: Non-invasive measurement of fecal fat absorptionC-Peptide De novo cholesterol synthesis FPLC isolation of lipoprotein Lipid measurements (triglycerides, phospholipid, non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol) Lipoprotein measurements Chylomicron composition and clearance; Apolipoprotein composition B-hydroxybutyrate Plasma free fatty acid Glucose dependant insulinotropic polypeptide assay Glucagon-like peptide 1 Glucagon Glucose Insulin Insulin tolerance test Intraperitoneal Glucose tolerance test Leptin Glucose tolerance in vivo Somatostatin assay

2)

Cardiovascular and renal functions: Directed by Dr. David Hui, this core provides investigation into vascular, heart and renal functions by offering the following tests: Tail cuff pressure measurement Intra-arterial blood pressure measurements in the awake mouse Arterial baroreflex responses Cardiac output Regional blood flow measurements Renal blood flow regulation Arterial response to injury (neointimal hyperplasia) Vascular contractility Cardiac contractility (left ventricular function in the isolated heart) Echocardiography Left ventricular function of the heart (intact mouse) Micropuncture measurements of renal function Renal blood regulation (free flow measurements) In situ microperfusion Control of renal perfusion pressure Whole kidney clearance

3)

Energy balance regulation: Co-directed by Drs. Randy Seeley, Randall Sakai, and Matthias Tschop, this core performs measurements of body composition, locomotor activity, food intake and energy expenditure. Tests include: Carcass analysis/body weight composition via NMR Energy expenditure Food intake and body weight measurement Hypothalamic gene expression procedure Locomotor activity

For more information on the tests offered or to apply for a service, please visit the UC MMPC at http://mousephenotype.uc.edu/UC/index.htm.