animal breeding and embryo cryopreservation. Alternatively, a small research institution wishing to establish a resource for genetically engineered animals would have, on request, telemedicine access to expertise in facility design, normative biology, health monitoring, diagnostic laboratory protocols and related disciplines. Results and advice on animal health issues such as diagnostic microbiology and pathology would also be available through the telemedicine network.

Biotechnology cores would offer critical, cutting-edge services and advice pertaining to transgenesis; gene-targeting; embryo and sperm cryopreservation; applied immunology including hybridoma production and animal immunization; tissue analysis including special techniques such as molecular hybridization in situ, and biochemical analysis; functional analyses in neurobehavior and other disciplines; advanced imaging; advanced experimental surgery; bioengineering and laboratory diagnostics including molecular diagnostics.

These cores would provide special housing and husbandry such as biohazard containment, gnotobiotic facilities, tissue, cell line and reagent banks, diet kitchens, surgical facilities, bioengineering workshops and telemonitoring facilities.

These cores would provide expertise in testing and reagent development, including molecular diagnostics, to ensure the quality of research animals and to minimize interference and interruption from infection and disease. They would detect and analyze conditions that may distort animal-based research and provide guidance for the elimination and prevention of these conditions. They also would interface with the biotechnology core(s) to develop, improve and validate testing methods, and with specialized facilities to provide testing reagents to qualified clients such as animal resource directors.

These cores would provide consultation on issues concerning animal experimentation ranging from research planning to animal health to biotechnology. The cores would link their expertise for "real time" responses through a national telemedicine network under a common web-site.