How is Histology Used to Diagnose Metabolic Imbalances?
Histology is pivotal in diagnosing metabolic imbalances. Tissue samples are stained and examined under a microscope to identify abnormal accumulations or deficiencies. Specialized stains, like Oil Red O for lipids or PAS for glycogen, help to highlight specific substances within cells. Immunohistochemistry can also be used to detect proteins involved in metabolic pathways, providing further diagnostic information.