Several techniques can complement histology effectively:
1. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections, providing information on the distribution, localization, and abundance of proteins.
2. Fluorescence Microscopy: By tagging molecules with fluorescent markers, this method allows for the visualization of specific components within tissues, aiding in the study of cellular processes and structures.
3. Electron Microscopy (EM): EM offers high-resolution images of tissue ultrastructure, revealing details that are beyond the reach of light microscopy.
4. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): This molecular technique helps detect specific nucleic acid sequences within tissue sections, providing insights into gene expression patterns.
5. Mass Spectrometry: When combined with histology, mass spectrometry can identify and quantify proteins, lipids, and other molecules within tissues, facilitating proteomic and metabolomic studies.
