Histochemistry, General and Special doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5016/1806-8774.2008.v10p105

Abstract

Histochemistry has been developed between the morphology and functionology, employing both anatomy and biochemistry to fill up the gap between both. Histochemistry localizes chemical components of cells and tissues on histological sections by using various techniques. This field was first established by developing techniques for demonstrating phosphatase activity in 1930's. I had aimed at studying histochemistry by developing new techniques using various principles since 1950's. I had formerly proposed to classify these methods into 3 categories, i.e., chemical, physical and biological techniques. The histochemical techniques have been well developed and systematized by the end of the 20th century to demonstrate various components such as enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids, glucides, lipids, etc. As a result, many text books are now available dealing with the methodology, which has been well developed in the late 20th century to form a new scientific field which should be designated as "General Histochemistry". These techniques should be applied to all the organ systems of men and animals as applications of histochemistry to special histology. The results of these applications to all the organs should be collected to form a new field, i.e., "Histochemistry of the Organs" like the histology of the organs or special histology. These results should form a new field in medical sciences, which can be designated as "Special Histochemistry" developing to a part of the microscopic anatomy together with the special histology. These data include not only 3-dimensional structure of the organs but also the 4-dimensional structure in connection with the individual aging.