Welcome to LECOR

The Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research (LECOR) is a multifaceted research laboratory that utilizes state of the art equipment and modern biological techniques to study orthopedic diseases and conditions in various animal species. The laboratory has areas conducive to a number of different research techniques. There is laboratory space equipped to microscopically analyze both hard and soft tissues. There is space designated for molecular biology, histology, tissue culture, and mechanical testing. Also available within the school of veterinary medicine is an equine treadmill and force platform. The laboratory has the capabilities to analyze biological samples for both genetic expression and compositional analysis with quantitative and semi-quantitative PCR technology and colorimetric assays, respectively.  The laboratory is always open to fellow researchers, students and visiting scientists.

Genetic Expression:

Present investigations include the use of joint fluid and cartilage tissue markers for early detectoin and prognosis of joint disease.  It is anticipated that the markers will not only provide methods for early diagnosis, but will provide information about the relative efficacy of treatments to alter the course of the disease process.  The markers may also provide a method to clearly identify the underlying cellular events of joint disease, facilitating development of therapies to inhibit or prevent joint damage.  Some of the conditions being investigated include canine hip dysplasia and equine osteoarthritis. 

Kinesiology:

Located in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Lameness Pavillion is a large scale force platformthat measures ground strike forces. An active wireless motion analysis system is available within the LECOR. Horses are equipped with infra red laser emitting diode markers and their motion is recorded and analyzed. The two systems, force platform and motion analysis, are fully integrated. This allows calculation of forces generated by motion.

Biomechanical Testing:

Two state of the art materials testing systems are housed within the LECOR. The systems are used to perform mechanical tests to evaluate methods of fracture stabilization, ligament reconstruction, tendon repair and acceleration of musculoskeletal tissue healing among other research topics.

Microscopy:

Samples are analyzed for tissue viability and structure with laser confocal microscopy. Samples for standard histology are preserved in formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained. They are then evaluated with light microscopy.

Tissue Culture:

The tissue culture laboratory  is a fundamental component of the LECOR lab. There are two laminar flow hoods for sterile procedures and one horizontal flow hood for tissue collection. There are four CO2 incubators, two centrifuges, freezer space, and two inverted microscopes, one of which is equipped with an image capture system.

 Special Projects:

Research within LECOR  encompasses a wide range of  investigations that are not limited to orthopedics. Projects include the use of monopolar radiofrequency energy to treat a number of musculoskeletal problems including tarsal osteoarthritis in horses. Additionally, LECOR personnel are participating in investigations surrounding the use of adipose derived adult mesenchymal stem cells. Recently the causative fungal agent of a equine mycetoma  was identified from sample DNA. Plans are underway to study ways of optimizing the match between therapeutic riders and horses and to provide a basis for the design and implementation of therapeutic riding exercises and equipment .

Recent Publications:

Lopez MJ, Robinson SO, Quinn MM, Hosgood G, Markel MD. Intra-articular protection of canine anterior cruciate ligament midsubstance elongation injuries.  Vet Surg 35:711-720, 2006.

Vidal MA, Kilroy GE, Johnson JR, Lopez MJ, Moore RM, Gimble JM.  Cell Growth Characteristics and Differentiation Frequency of Adherent Equine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Adipogentic and Osteogenic Capacity. Vet Surg 35:601-610, 2006.

Lopez MJ, Markel MD.  Monopolar Radiofrequency Energy Application to the Dorsal Extensor Tendon Apparatus in a Canine Model of Phalangeal Tendon Elongation Injury.   J Hand Surg (Am) 8:1296-1302, 2006.

  Lopez MJ, Quinn MM, Markel MD.   Comprehensive Evaluation of Gait Kinetics in Puppies with Coxofemoral Joint Laxity.   Am J Vet Res 67:236-241, 2006.

Lopez MJ, Quinn MM, Markel MD.  Evaluation of Associations between Juvenile Weight Gain and Coxofemoral Joint Laxity at 16 Weeks of Age in Puppies with Moderate to Severe Joint Laxity.  Vet Surg 35:214-218, 2006.