Several techniques are employed for signal detection in histology:
1. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses specific antibodies to detect antigens in tissue sections. The antibodies are often conjugated with enzymes or fluorescent dyes, allowing visualization of the target molecules.
2. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): ISH involves using labeled complementary DNA or RNA probes to detect specific nucleic acid sequences within tissue sections. This method is useful for identifying gene expression patterns.
3. Fluorescence Microscopy: Fluorescent dyes or proteins are used to label specific cellular components. When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, these fluorophores emit light, enabling the detection of the target molecules.
4. Confocal Microscopy: This advanced form of fluorescence microscopy uses laser scanning to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional images of stained tissues.
5. Digital Pathology: High-resolution scanners and image analysis software are used to digitize and analyze histological slides, improving accuracy and enabling quantitative analysis.
