What Are Some Key Techniques Used in Histological Research?
Several techniques are fundamental to histological research:
Histochemical Staining: This technique involves applying specific dyes to tissues to highlight different cellular components. Common stains include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), which are used to visualize general tissue structure. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): IHC uses antibodies to detect specific proteins within tissue sections. This method is invaluable for studying protein expression patterns and localizing biomarkers within tissues. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): ISH allows for the detection of nucleic acids within tissues, enabling researchers to study gene expression at the cellular level. Electron Microscopy: This technique provides high-resolution images of tissue ultrastructure, revealing details at the nanometer scale that are not visible with light microscopy.
