Histochemistry as an irreplaceable approach for investigating functional cytology and histology

Abstract

In agreement with the evolution of histochemistry over the last fifty years and thanks to the impressive advancements in microscopy sciences, the application of cytochemical techniques to light and electron microscopy is more and more addressed to elucidate the functional characteristics of cells and tissue under different physiological, pathological or experimental conditions. Simultaneously, the mere description of composition and morphological features has become increasingly sporadic in the histochemical literature. Since basic research on cell functional organization is essential for understanding the mechanisms responsible for major biological processes such as differentiation or growth control in normal and tumor tissues, histochemical Journals will continue to play a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology in all its structural and functional aspects.

Adapted physical exercise enhances activation and differentiation potential of satellite cells in the skeletal muscle of old mice

“…The amount and activation state of SCs as well as their proliferation and differentiation potential were assessed in situ by morphology, morphometry and immunocytochemistry at light and transmission electron microscopy. Considering that SCs are a scanty and possibly heterogeneous cell population, which can be unequivocally recognized on the base of topological location and/or molecular markers, this approach is especially suitable for studying their structural and functional features (Pellicciari, ). The effect of physical exercise in aged muscles was further analysed by comparing the myogenic potential of SCs isolated from old running and old sedentary mice using an in vitro system, which allows observation of the differentiation process under controlled experimental conditions.…”

Transmission electron microscopy for nanomedicine: novel applications for long-established techniques

“…56,57 This approach would especially be convenient for studying the effects of nanovector-based therapies aimed at curing diseased cells which are to be preserved and functionally repaired (e.g. highly differentiated non-cycling cells such as myofibres and neurons, in muscular or neurodegenerative diseases); indeed, ultrastructural cytochemistry enables to finely describe the cellular morphofunctional changes induced by drug-delivering nanovectors, providing evidence for the restored healthy features and for the possible occurrence of undesired negative side-effects.…”