Abstract
This DVD, sponsored by the NIEHS, provides an interactive and richly illustrated learning tool for collection of liver tissue from rats for RNA collection, and offers key features necessary for general understanding and practical information. Although the title of the DVD, “RNA Collection,” implies limited use of tissue, the DVD also covers the anatomy of the rat liver quite nicely, as well as tissue collection for histology and laser microdissection. The caption, “Laser Microdissection,” is misleading as it actually refers to preparation of cryostat sections that may have several uses, such as laser microdissection or immunohistochemistry.
The multimedia DVD begins with an introduction in which the welcome screen and self-guided tour information are included, accompanied by well-organized interactive button-keys with subject headings/modules. The button-keys are intuitive and provide rapid access to logically arranged subject headings. The screen layout is clear and the subject headings are easy to understand. Each button-key links to the corresponding section (i.e., Work Area, Tissue Collection, RNA Processing, and Contacts). Within each section, there are subheadings that are easily accessed using clearly labeled button-keys. The advantage of this interactive button-key is that one can go to the specific area of interest directly from the welcome page. This feature is particularly useful for focused researchers interested in specific areas, and will definitely save time by escaping unwanted screens or steps. Alternatively, one can review the entire DVD content by sequentially pressing the “next” button on the right-bottom corner of each screen. Directional arrows at the bottom corners of each page allow the user to go forward or backward. A “pause” button allows the user to stop at any given step. There is background music that some may find quite soothing, whereas others may find it to be distractive; regardless, it may be disabled with a simple click of a button-key.
The material is an educational tool for lab technicians involved in procuring liver tissue from rats for RNA collection. The DVD is extremely user-friendly and self-explanatory. Enough details are presented to enable a person to be able to repeat the procedures, and the material makes good use of instructional graphics. Details are also contained within embedded pdf files selectable on the DVD. For example, one may download a complete list of items and suppliers for RNA collection. Although lab reagents and kits are clearly identified by source and catalog number, one concern is that the material may become outdated quickly and/or suddenly as vendors change and kits evolve. Another limitation of the DVD is that liver is the only tissue represented. Most, if not all, “tissue distribution” studies done in the biopharmaceutical industry include several target tissues harvested for molecular biology (RNA/DNA/protein collection), and a key consideration during tissue procurement is collection of tissues without cross-contamination. In this respect, the potential target audience is limited.
Suggestions for perhaps the next version of this DVD include procedures for collecting multiple tissues from an animal. In summary, the DVD serves as a useful adjunctive learning tool for students/residents and laboratory technicians to supply the basic knowledge of rat liver anatomy and tissue collection for RNA processing. I would highly recommend this DVD for any facility that has a training or research program involving the laboratory rat liver. Copies of this DVD can be requested from Beth Mahler (