Histotechnology as a Forerunner of Molecular Pathology Testing

• Published in: Journal of histotechnology 2005-12, Vol.28 (4), p.249-252
• Main Author: Jones, M. Lamar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DNA; methyl green pyronin; nucleic acids; plasma cells; RNA
• ISSN: 0147-8885; 2046-0236
• DOI: 10.1179/his.2005.28.4.249

Histotechnology essentiallv evolved from the doctrines of cellular pathology. Rudolph Virchow's doctrines of cellular pathology recognized microscopic pathology as a fundamental discipline in medicine which then led to the birth of Histotechnology. The term cellular then gives rise to minute Structures we refer to as cells, cellular meaning made of LIP cells that are essentially the basic unit of life. When the term molecular is defined, it refers to the composition of molecules which, in turn, are small masses of matter. One of the most important tasks for histotechnologists is to basically preserve tissues, tissue structures, and entities for microscopic examination. The art and science of staining is heavily used to then demonstrate the structures and entities at the cellular levels. And, in many cases, the cellular levels can be referred to as molecular. Most molecular testing, such as immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, apoptosis, and tissue microarrays, are built on histological techniques. Molecular techniques have almost always been reserved and thought of in regard to "futuristic" practices. However, many techniques in histotechnology have been focused on the molecular aspects of tissue handling and the end result. Histotechnologists also have been involved in the history of diagnostic testing from isolated procedures to more organized testing. Today, histopathology laboratories are staffed with professionals trailled in highly technical aspects of the theory and practice of tissue preservation and preparation. One of the most-used techniques that has been instrumental in demonstrating DNA and RNA is the methyl green-pyronin Y (MGP) stain. Performed for the most part by histotechnologists and used in both diagnostic patient care and research, the MGP stain has served as one of the first molecular tests in histotechnology. Because of increased interest in DNA and RNA in smears and tissues, the MGP stain has increased in use in the 1950s. Interestingly enough, this period also was during the time that James Watson and Francis Crick were able to propose a structure for DNA. In addition, many modifications of the original MGP techniques are implemented even today. (The J Histotechnol 28:249, 2005) Submitted November 15, 2005; accepted with revisions December 6, 2005