How Does Histology Help in Diagnosing Vascular Diseases?
Histological examination involves the use of various staining techniques and microscopic analysis to identify pathological changes in blood vessel tissues. For example:
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Staining: Commonly used to examine tissue morphology and identify abnormalities in vessel structure. - Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Utilizes antibodies to detect specific proteins and markers associated with vascular diseases, such as inflammatory markers in vasculitis. - Electron Microscopy: Provides detailed images of the ultrastructure of blood vessel walls, useful in identifying microstructural changes in diseases like atherosclerosis.