Attachment 1 - Purchase description Flow Cytometer 4172020.pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

Immune cells that influence brain function and modify affective behavior associated with anxiety-like states in animals and humans include leukocytes (white blood cells) of the peripheral immune system as well as microglia and perivascular macrophages residing within the brain. In addition, the meninges, which cover the brain and are part of the blood-brain barrier, are an important site of neuroimmune interactions, and they contain large numbers of resident and migrating leukocytes that can influence brain function indirectly. Other cells that constitute the blood-brain barrier, such as vascular endothelia, also can influence brain activity by their response to inflammatory challenges. All of these cells can be isolated from experimental animals or human blood and dissected tissues and analyzed by flow cytometry.

The cells are marked by antibodies designed to detect various features and activation states. A panel of antibodies, each tagged with a specific fluorescent molecule, is used to characterize cell type and molecular signature. The needed machine, with three lasers and multiple detectors, will allow us to mark cells with up to a dozen colors and perform routine and rapid assays to assess how the cells contribute to immune-brain interactions. The data will guide subsequent experiments on cellular and molecular players identified as stress-responsive.

2. Background Information and Objective:

The Section on Functional Neuroanatomy does research on the cellular and molecular interactions between the immune system and the brain to elucidate how neuroimmune communication contributes to affective states in animals. The cells that communicate between the brain and the immune system can be isolated and characterized by flow cytometry. Multiple markers applied to a given cell population can provide valuable information about psychological stress effects on the identified cells. The requested flow cytometer allows simple and rapid assessment of the cell characteristics. Understanding of the bases for communication could lead to novel targets and treatments for affective disorders in humans.

3. Generic Name of Product:

Flow Cytometer

4. Purchase Description:

Flow Cytometer with Associated Software and Installation

5. Salient characteristics

• Compact, easy to use, requires minimal training.

• Automated maintenance functions.

• Able to detect up to 13 markers on cells in a single sample.

• 3 laser configuration: 405 nm Violet (5 channels), 488 nm Blue (5 channels), 638 nm

Red (3 channels).

• Upgradable channel configurations without mechanical alterations of instrument.

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

• Acquisition rate of 30,000 events per second.

• Fixed and customizable flow rates.

• Includes PC and associated software, .fcs file export capability.

• Ability to detect <100nm Nanoparticles.

• Configured to add an optional 96 well autoloader at a later date.

• One year warranty on parts and labor.

• Instrument installation, PC setup, and software installation.

6. Quantity:

1 flow cytometer with associated installation and setup.

7. Delivery Date:

120 days

8. Period of Performance:

One year warranty on parts and labor.

9. Option(s): N/A