[An attempt to detect genetic information by means of molecular cytochemistry]

In situ hybridization is a histochemical technique that attracts many cell biologists and others interested in developmental biology, virology, genetics and neuroendocrinology. This method gives us the precise localization and identification of individual cells which contain specific nucleic acid sequences, in a similar manner to the immunohistochemistry of cells which have a particular protein. There has been a wide range of applications for this technique. One of the most important and significant applications of in situ hybridization is the demonstration of specific mRNA in particular cells. This is quite valuable in heterogeneous tissue such as that of the hypothalamus with a various types of different cells. The combination with the immunohistochemistry enables us to study the dynamics of peptides or proteins in a certain tissue or cell. In this mini-review the logic and methodology of molecular cytochemistry, particularly, in situ hybridization, with its application in the endocrinological field was presented.