In histology, maintaining the correct ionic strength is essential for preserving tissue samples and for the accurate interpretation of stained sections. Ionic strength impacts:
- Tissue fixation: The process of stabilizing and preserving tissue samples often involves solutions like formalin, which can be affected by ionic strength. - Staining: The binding of dyes to tissue components can be influenced by the ionic strength, affecting the contrast and clarity of the stained sections. - Enzyme activity: Enzymes used in various histological techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, are sensitive to changes in ionic strength.
