Greetings, dear readers! Welcome back to my weekly blog, where I share the exciting chapters of my research internship. Week 3 has been a whirlwind of discovery, from attending thought-provoking seminars to delving into staining techniques and immunochemistry protocols. Let’s dive right into the captivating highlights of my week!
Monday kicked off with our weekly seminar series, featuring an esteemed speaker who enlightened us about translational research in cardiomyopathy conducted in her lab. Her journey as an MD-PhD and insights into maintaining a healthy work-life balance left a lasting impression on me. It’s remarkable to see how passion and dedication can pave the way for remarkable scientific achievements.
The following day, I embarked on a fascinating journey into the realm of staining techniques, starting with the renowned Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method. H&E staining is a widely used technique in histology that allows for the visualization of tissue structures under a microscope. Hematoxylin imparts a blue-purple hue to the nuclei, while Eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular structures pink. This process proved invaluable as I examined normal adrenal cells, unveiling the distinctive features of the three distinct zones within the adrenal cortex. With H&E staining, we gain a visual map of the adrenal tissue, enhancing our understanding of its composition and function.
Building upon my newfound knowledge, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to perform H&E staining myself. The following day, I embarked on staining cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) adrenal tissues. This presented an exciting challenge as I aimed to identify the location of abnormal tumor cells within the tissue samples. H&E staining played a crucial role in differentiating healthy cells from abnormal ones, shedding light on adrenal pathology and expanding our understanding of this intriguing field.
But the journey didn’t stop there! I then ventured into the captivating world of immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocol. I first shadowed an expert in the lab, closely observing their meticulous steps in staining adrenal tissues with enzymes such as CYP11B1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2, and CYB5A. These enzymes serve as markers for specific zones within the adrenal tissue, aiding in the identification and study of their distinct functions. The IHC protocol proved to be an intricate and time-consuming process, requiring an entire working day to complete. However, the results were well worth the effort, as this technique provided invaluable insights into the molecular composition of the adrenal tissues.
On Friday, the culmination of my efforts arrived as I embarked on performing my very first IHC on normal adrenal tissues. Taking the reins and following the protocol meticulously, I immersed myself in this hands-on experience. The sense of accomplishment and growth was palpable as I worked diligently, staining the tissues and capturing the fascinating results.
Amidst this scientific journey, I also took a moment to appreciate the beauty of Ann Arbor. On a serene Saturday evening, I embarked on a delightful walk, immersing myself in the city’s artistic charm. Vibrant murals adorned the walls, transforming the streets into an open-air gallery. Ann Arbor’s artistic spirit truly resonated with me.
As the sun began to set, the city underwent a magical transformation. Certain streets were blocked off, and restaurants spilled onto the sidewalks, bedecked with twinkling fairy lights and enchanting decorations. Ann Arbor exuded a captivating European vibe, inviting diners to savor the ambiance while relishing delectable culinary delights.
Eager to continue my culinary exploration, I ventured into a Japanese restaurant for dinner. The flavors and presentation of the dishes transcended expectations, taking my taste buds on a captivating journey through the intricate tapestry of Japanese cuisine.
As I reflect on this eventful week, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. From staining techniques to immunochemistry protocols and unforgettable experiences in Ann Arbor, each moment has enriched my research journey.
Join me next week as I delve deeper into my project.
Until Next Time,
Kavya.
Normal and CPA adrenal tissue after H&E. These were the first tissues I strained.
Scan of the CPAs after H&E.
Veg. Gyoza and Sushi at Totoro, Ann Arbor.
Unknown buildings and streets in Ann Arbor with amazing art!
Huntingdon to Ann Arbor: A Summer full of Science and Fun 
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