Histology at IRSEA

Histology is the branch of biology that studies the structure of human, animal or plant tissues under the microscope. The tissues, once taken, are processed, cut and stained before being observed under the microscope. The light microscope allows us to see the samples enlarged from 10 to 1000 times the original size, which allows us to observe these structures with all their details.

The advantage of histology over other methodologies is that we can actually see the cells and tissues that make up the organs, and also assess whether they are healthy or altered. Histology therefore gives a direct view of the condition of an organ, showing us structures that are not visible to the naked eye. As it is a methodology developed over the last two centuries, hundreds of techniques and stains exist to identify different structures, cells or molecules, depending on what we are looking for in the tissues and organs studied.

Histology therefore gives a direct view of the condition of an organ, showing us structures that are not visible to the naked eye.

After collaborations with other research centres, IRSEA created its histology laboratory in 2014, in order to use these techniques to study the structures and alterations of organs involved in chemical communication. Research projects have therefore focused on four areas: the study of the vomeronasal organ, which is the organ that detects semichemicals; the study of brain areas activated by semichemicals; the study of glands that produce semichemicals; and the study of the effects of semichemicals at the cellular and tissue level.

Histology therefore fits into several research projects of our institute, adding a fundamental perspective to the understanding of the mechanisms of action and effects of chemical communication in the life of animals.