Several histological techniques utilize radioactive isotopes, including:
Autoradiography: A technique that uses X-ray film to detect radioactive molecules within tissue sections. This method can reveal the distribution of labeled compounds at a cellular level. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Although more commonly associated with fluorescent and enzyme-linked markers, IHC can also employ radioisotopes to label antibodies, enabling the visualization of specific antigens in tissue samples. In situ hybridization (ISH): This method localizes specific nucleic acid sequences within tissue sections by using radioactive probes. It is particularly useful for studying gene expression and localization.