Edited by Kiernan J.A. (592 pp. ISBN 978‐1‐907904‐32‐5; paperback) Banbury: Scion Publishing Ltd; 2015.
Traditional histological methods give a more in‐depth view of tissue as a whole, providing the possibility to see the interactions between all of the cells present and, when used in conjunction with immunohistochemical studies, can reveal a great deal of detail. ‘Histological and Histochemical Methods, Theory and Practice’ gives the art and science of histology the full credit it deserves.
This book is an exceptional reference guide that we would highly recommend to any researcher interested in studying microscopic anatomy/morphology. The layout of the book is excellent, allowing the reader to quickly find exactly what they are looking for. All the major techniques are covered, and in each case the theory and method are explained, and detailed guidance on protocols and potential modifications given. Modern techniques of immunohistochemistry as well as some traditional techniques, such as Protargol silver reduction, are covered in detail. Comprehensive coverage of suitable controls, often omitted from studies, is also provided.
Each chapter provides a detailed description of histological techniques allowing the reader to appreciate the biochemistry behind their work. This detailed understanding is frequently overlooked, with many researchers simply following a protocol without any great consideration of exactly what they are doing. This causes problems when reagents fail or different tissue is being used, and results are not forthcoming. Professor Kiernan clearly addresses this issue and provides a thorough guide that is very useful, especially when troubleshooting. The chapter devoted to enzyme histochemistry shows various enzymes in a very reader‐friendly way, that is not overly simple yet not difficult to digest, to explain the individual reactions with substrates. Above all, he does not omit the importance of the correct pH in enzyme kinetics. In other words, this book could also be used as a guide for anybody wishing to improve or even create their own protocol. Gaining a complete understanding of the chemical reactions occurring in an experiment is often what separates a successful experiment from a failed one. In addition, those of you paying the bills will approve of the section on ‘Economising with expensive reagents’.
From personal experience, we are aware of how a poorly chosen fixative or inadequate fixation time can have a dramatic effect on staining. This book very clearly presents and summarises, with a very handy table, individual fixatives and their effects on the tissue. It is a pity that there is not more information on fixation times recommended for various types of tissue. However, we do understand that such detailed description would probably require yet another book.
Finally, at next revision, we would recommend a few minor changes: Histo‐Clear should be mentioned as an alternative to xylene as a histological clearing agent, as it is non‐toxic, non‐flammable and does not harden the tissue, as does xylene.
Some of the diagrams of molecules should be re‐scaled, as their resolution is very low, and some of the immunohistochemical staining using the ABC method is a bit over‐complicated.
As the author very nicely states in his preface, there is no single, perfect methodology, rather the researcher must understand the theoretical and practical basis of the technique and of the tissue in order to succeed. We wholeheartedly agree. Every tissue is a bit different and requires special treatment, and this book is an excellent guide that the reader can utilise to achieve the best results in tissue staining.
This book should introduce more researchers to some excellent techniques, and may finally supersede our trusty 1947 copy of ‘Histological Technique’ by Carleton and Leach.