Several techniques are employed in histology to detect chemical alterations. Common methods include:
Histochemical Staining: Uses dyes and stains to identify specific chemical components in tissues, such as Hemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining for nucleic acids and proteins. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Utilizes antibodies to detect specific proteins, allowing for the identification of protein expression patterns. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): Detects specific nucleic acid sequences within tissues, useful for identifying gene expression changes. Mass Spectrometry: Analyzes the chemical composition of tissues at the molecular level, providing detailed information on metabolites and proteins. Fluorescence Microscopy: Employs fluorescent dyes and probes to visualize specific chemical alterations within cells and tissues.
