Theory and Strategy in Histochemistry: A Guide to the Selection and Understanding of Techniques - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540193111 ISBN 13: 9783540193111

Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, 1991

Synopsis

If you want practical information on how to use this book please refer to "Note to the Readers" p. VII. Histochemistry and cytochemistry are essential tools in biomedical research and routine service laboratories. Most texts on histochemistry fall into one of two categories: 1. Encyclopaedic texts covering all or nearly all information available on the whole or selected parts of histochemistry. 2. Reviews or surveys of methods found to be useful by the author(s). While the former category often appeals to the more philosophically inclined reader, direct guidance on the selection of technique may be difficult to find. In contrast, the latter category are often excellent sources for details on how to perform a particular method with a reasonable chance of success. Consideration of the exact mechanism of staining, of possible reasons for failure, and of alternative techniques are, however, frequently lacking. This book is an introduction to the scientific basis of histochemistry and is intended to provide a background for the selection and development of appro- priate methods. It is not a "cook book" and readers expecting exhaustive methodological descriptions will be disappointed. Although most ofthe contributors to this book would not describe themselves as histochemists, they have all at some time found it essential to develop a basic understanding of histochemistry. This book contains the information they would have greatly appreciated ready access to at that time.

About this title

Synopsis

This introduction to the scientific basis of histochemistry provides a background for the selection and development of appropriate methods. The topic is treated by striking a balance between the traditional empirical techniques and the modern highly specialized and sophisticated methods. The book underscores the fact that all histological and histopathological methods are essentially histochemical in nature. Recognition of this leads to the realization that a clear understanding of the principles set out in the book are the basis for the acceptance of comparable, comprehensible and standardizable staining protocols, even for the classical empirically derived techniques. The book is organized into seven sections: general considerations, a review of techniques according to mechanism, tissue processing, the staining of chemical entities, enzyme histochemistry, other techniques and an introduction to applied histochemistry. The text has been completed with a "Note to the Reader" so that readers with different backgrounds can select the sections and sequences most appropriate for their own particular requirements.

This monograph on histochemistry, pathology and anatomy is intended for researchers, students and technicians.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540193111
• ISBN 13: 9783540193111
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 609
• Editor: Lyon Hans