Collection and preparation of rodent tissue samples for histopathological and molecular studies in carcinogenesis.

Histology, as a mean of tissue visualization on a cellular level, is a fundamental tool in the study of cancer. The need for simultaneous delivery of quality histological material for pathological evaluation and subsequent genomic and proteomic studies, however, requires modification of traditional practices to include rapid isolation and stabilization of target tissue to preserve molecular integrity. Informative molecular analysis depends on the integrity of target molecules (RNA, DNA, and proteins) in the tissue during and after its collection. A reliable systematic approach to routine and genomic/proteomic sample collection and preparation presented is supported by detailed protocols.