Arizona Histopathology and Morphometry Services



Antonio R. Villanueva, M.A., Ph.D., MCS(ASCP)
President

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Arizona Histopathology & Morphometry Services has a complete range of Histopathology and Morphometry methods based on fully mineralized bone techniques and standard qualitative and quantitative methods. A variety of metabolic bone diseases such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroid with or without osteitis fibrosa cystica, fluorosis and other disorders that have been reported to affect bone and or bone mineral metabolism can be evaluated. We have the unique ability to analyze and quantitate the cell populations and cell dynamics of bone remodeling by using fluorochrome markers, histochemical, and polarizing microscopic methods on fully mineralized bone, a method pioneered by the late Dr. Harold M. Frost, and Dr. Antonio R. Villanueva.


In this technique, fully mineralized sections of bone cut at various thicknesses are evaluated by standard qualitative and quantitative morphometric methods. Type of cells, and cell numbers together with their activity are computed by measurements of bands of fluorochrome labels incorporated in the bone at specifically defined periods prior to biopsy.

Plastic embedded undecalcified,
thin sections of iliac crest cut at 5 μ
showing part of the cortex and a small portion of the endosteum.Fig. 1. Villanueva Mineralized Bone Stain 100X (MIBS) 		This is the same picture as figure 1, but taken under flourescence micropscopy showing two-color tetracycline markers given to the patient 2 days apart.Fig. 2. Villanueva Mineralized Bone Stain 100X (MIBS)


In humans, the iliac crest is the preferred site for the biopsy. Biopsies must be obtained by the transilial approach using a trephine diameter of 5 mm - 8 mm that produces a core of cancellous bone with cortex at each end. The biopsy can be performed in an outpatient clinic under local anesthesia, and the patient can return home the same day. A referring physician must make his or her arrangements with a surgeon for obtaining the biopsy. The details of the diagnostic and evaluation service including fluorochrome labeling, biopsy and pricing are contained on the enclosures.

In small animals, such as rats, the metaphyseal regions are the preferred sites. In larger animals, such as sheeps, dogs, monkeys, etc. the iliac crests are the preferred sites.
Also included in this service is the analyses and evaluations of various bone implants containing metals, such as titanium, cobaltchrome, hydroxyapatite, BMP, and other types of bioceramics for the purpose of research or follow-up.

We also provide detailed instructions for the standard fluorescent labeling of bone for the biopsy procedure, the fixation and packaging and mailing of specimens.

The details on Dr Villanueva.

Dr. Antonio R. Villanueva has worked as a consultant or contract work with the following companies:

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