Diagnostic histochemistry: A historical perspective

Semin Diagn Pathol. 2018 Nov;35(6):354-359. doi: 10.1053/j.semdp.2018.10.007. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Abstract

Histochemistry has a history which, in some ways, goes back to ancient times. The desire for humans to understand the workings of their bodies, and the roles that various chemicals have in them, is long-standing. This review considers the evolution of histochemistry and cytochemistry as scientific disciplines, culminating in the pairing of those techniques with basic biochemistry. They have served as the bases for a synthesis of microscopy, chemistry, immunology, and molecular biology, particularly in the practice of anatomic pathology.

Keywords: Biochemistry; Cytochemistry; Histochemistry; Histology.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Portrait
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy / history
  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Histocytochemistry / history*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Pathology / history*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Staining and Labeling / history*