Welcome to another edition of our Lab Spotlight series, where we delve into the innovative research happening in labs around the world that utilize Precisionary Instruments’ Compresstome vibratome. Today, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Associate Professor Brandon Henderson’s research lab, located at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University.
About the Henderson Neuroscience Lab
Led by Dr. Brandon Henderson, the Henderson Lab (see photo below) is a dynamic research group focused on understanding the effects of nicotine on the brain. Situated within the academic hub of Marshall University, the lab comprises Dr. Henderson, two dedicated PhD students, Nathan Olszewski and Samuel Tetteh-Quarshie, and a team of enthusiastic undergraduate interns. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a Zeiss Axio Examiner A1 for patch-clamp electrophysiology, an Olympus FV3000 for confocal microscopy, multiple fiber photometry rigs, and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry setups, the lab is at the forefront of neurobiological and neurophysiological research.
Henderson Lab Research Goals
The primary mission of the Henderson Lab is to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence. By employing a variety of cutting-edge techniques, the team investigates how nicotine affects different brain regions at various stages of dependence. Their interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of nicotine’s impact on neural circuitry and behavior.
Compresstome Vibratome Aids Henderson Lab Projects
A cornerstone of the lab’s experimental workflow is Precisionary Instruments’ Compresstome vibratome. This precision instrument plays a crucial role in preparing high-quality brain tissue samples for electrophysiology and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry experiments. With its ability to precisely slice tissue sections at consistent thicknesses, the Compresstome ensures reproducibility and accuracy in the lab’s research endeavors. Here are a few photos showing the Henderson labmates using the Compresstome to section mouse brain slices in action:
The Henderson Lab has achieved notable success in its pursuit of understanding nicotine addiction, with several groundbreaking publications to its name. Two recent studies, made possible by the precise tissue slicing capabilities of the Compresstome, have garnered attention within the scientific community:
- “Neuronal Excitability in the Medial Habenula and Ventral Tegmental Area Is Differentially Modulated by Nicotine Dosage and Menthol in a Sex-Specific Manner” published in eNeuro (link: [eNeuro article](https://www.eneuro.org/content/11/2/ENEURO.0380-23.2024)).
- “Chemical Flavorants in Vaping Products Alter Neurobiology in a Sex-Dependent Manner to Promote Vaping-Related Behaviors” featured in PubMed Central (link: [PubMed Central article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9987575/)).
These studies underscore the pivotal role of the Compresstome vibratome in enabling groundbreaking discoveries in nicotine addiction research.
Connect with Dr. Henderson’s Lab
To learn more about Dr. Brandon Henderson’s research or the innovative work happening in his lab, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. For inquiries about our vibratome and microtome products, or to explore how Precisionary Instruments can support your research endeavors, contact us today. If you’re a researcher interested in showcasing your lab’s work and the role of Precisionary Instruments’ vibratomes, reach out to us! Whether you’re exploring new frontiers in neuroscience or delving into other scientific disciplines, we’d love to feature your research in our Lab Spotlight series.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from labs like the Henderson Lab, where groundbreaking discoveries are made possible with Precisionary Instruments’ cutting-edge tools. Until next time, keep innovating!