Several advanced techniques are employed, including:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) This technique utilizes antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissues, helping to visualize the distribution and localization of proteins. It is particularly useful for studying protein expression and cell signaling pathways.
Fluorescence Microscopy Fluorescence microscopy involves staining tissues with fluorescent dyes or proteins to observe various cellular components and activities. It is instrumental in studying dynamic processes such as calcium signaling and cell migration.
In Situ Hybridization (ISH) ISH is used to detect specific nucleic acid sequences within tissues. This technique is vital for studying gene expression and understanding how genes regulate tissue function.
Electrophysiology Electrophysiology techniques measure electrical properties of tissues, such as membrane potential and ion channel activity. These methods are essential for studying excitable tissues like cardiac muscle and neurons.
