Head of Laboratory

Associate Professor: Ben‑Bassat, H., PhD,

Director of The Israel National Skin Bank

Tel: 972-2-6758129

Fax: 972-2-6757132;

E-mail: benbassat@md.huji.ac.il

Research Associates:

Breiterman, S., PhD-Vet

Tel: 972-2-6758122

Klein, BY., MD

Tel: 972-2-6757127;

E-mail: byklein@cc.huji.ac.il

Simkin, A.,Ph.D.

Tel: 972-2-6757127

Research Assistants:

Chaouat, M., MSc

Hartzstark, Z., MSc

Levitzki, R., BSc

Navot, N., BSc

Shlomai, Z., MSc

Introduction

The Laboratory of Experimental Surgery is an interdisciplinary center devoted to research and teaching in the field of surgery. It provides research facilities for the Departments and Units of Surgery and also operates The Israel National Skin Bank (INSB).

The research has been primarily concerned with developing approaches to elucidate, at the molecular and cellular levels, regulation of growth and tissue repair. The Laboratory conducts studies on the interactions between cells and the mechanisms that trigger signals for cell growth, cell differentiation and cell death. The studies focusing on the mechanisms driving cells to proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis can also elucidate the basis for cancerous transformation.

The experimental models we have chosen are from skin, bone and blood tissues: cell-tissue cultures, and animal models, using biological, biochemical, and physiological tools. The research groups include surgeons/physicians, scientists and students.

Basic research with biotechnological and therapeutic applications is the hallmark of all our activities.

The Laboratory was assessed for ISO 9001-Quality Management System Certification (by SGS UK Ltd, Yarsley International Certification Services) in 1998 and certified for: “The design and provision of laboratory services engaged with in-vivo and in-vitro research projects in experimental surgery, cell biology, immunology, histopathology and molecular biology”.

The Israel National Skin Bank (INSB) was founded jointly by the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Ministry of Health and the Hadassah Medical Organization in 1986. The INSB prime purpose is to treat burn victims incurred at war or during mass casualty incidences. It supplies cryopreserved human skin allografts to treat burn patients upon request from hospitals/burn units in Israel, free of charge. In 2002 the INSB was certified for ISI 9001-by SGS UK Ltd for “Tissue Banking, Skin Preserved for grafting”.